Foundations of Peer Partnerships
What core peer value emphasizes shared power and walking alongside someone rather than directing them?
hat is Mutuality?
This skill involves giving your full attention without interrupting or planning your response.
What is Active Listening?
What type of question encourages deeper conversation rather than a yes/no answer?
What is an Open-Ended Question?
A peer says, “I’ve messed up everything.” What strength might you reflect back?
What is resilience, insight, or willingness to self-reflect?
What is the primary purpose of sharing your recovery story in peer work?
What is to inspire hope and connection?
This principle reminds peers that the person is the expert in their own life.
What is Self-Determination?
This communication technique reflects back what you heard to ensure understanding.
What is Paraphrasing?
Which is more strength-based: “Why didn’t you go?” or “What got in the way of going?”
What is “What got in the way of going?”
Someone shows up late but still attends every meeting. What strength is present?
What is commitment or persistence?
What framework helps ensure your story is purposeful and not overwhelming?
What is the Before–During–Now framework (or brief, relevant, and hope-focused storytelling)?
In peer partnerships, accountability flows in both directions. What is this called?
What is Shared Responsibility?
What is SOLER.
Seat yourself toward the peer, Open your posture, Lean toward, eye contact, Relax
Provide an open-ended question that explores strengths during a difficult time.
What is “What helped you get through that?” or “What was working even a little?”
A parent speaks up at school meetings. What strength is this?
What is advocacy?
Why should peer specialists avoid sharing trauma details unnecessarily?
What is to prevent re-traumatization and maintain professional boundaries?
Why is transparency important in peer support relationships?
What is it builds trust and reduces power imbalances?
This skill involves acknowledging emotions without trying to fix them.
What is Validation?
What is a future-focused open-ended question that promotes hope?
What is “What would things look like if they were a little better?”
A youth says, “I don’t trust anyone.” What possible strength could that represent?
What is self-protection or awareness of safety needs?
What question should you ask yourself before sharing your story? BONUS: what is WAIT
What is “Is this for their benefit or mine?”
BONUS: Why am I talking
What is the difference between a peer partnership and a clinical relationship?
What is peer support is mutual, strengths-based, and rooted in lived experience rather than diagnosis and treatment hierarchy?
Why is silence considered a communication skill in peer work?
What is it allows space for reflection and empowers the person to process?
Why should peers avoid “why” questions in some situations?
What is they can sound blaming or interrogative rather than curious?
A peer relapses but reaches out immediately for support. What strengths are demonstrated?
What are accountability, courage, and connection-seeking?
What are three elements of an effective recovery story?
honesty, relevance, and a focus on growth and hope?