If you’re going through personal difficulties, therapy and medication may not be appropriate to help you find balance. That’s why many are turning to the solution of peer support – a unique approach to mental wellness that allows individuals to connect with others who share similar struggles and discover solutions to overcome them. If you’re concerned about your mental well-being, here are a few important details you should know about the peer support approach and how it may help you.

An Introduction to Peer Support

Is Peer Support a Type of Clinical Counseling?

No. Peer support isn’t aligned with the practices used in clinical settings. Instead, these programs are based on the ideas of mentorship and social inclusion. Rather than practicing traditional counseling or therapy modalities, peer support participants connect with like-minded individuals and explore safe ways to overcome personal issues. The goal of this process is to help people identify their core emotional battles and move past them to rediscover their purpose in life.

What Does Peer Support Address?

Peer support is unique in that it can be adapted to fit many different mental health challenges. Substance abuse organizations have long relied on the peer support model, for instance. Today, peer support is used to address many other issues surrounding mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, and anger management.

What Does the Peer Support Process Involve?

The peer support process varies from person to person, but generally involves a supportive relationship between a client and coach who has navigated similar mental health crises. Through this one-on-one engagement, coaches share their struggles, realizations, and solutions with individuals who have personal or mental health issues.

Once trust is built, clients work with their coaches to identify which emotions, defenses, and behaviors are inhibiting their progress. Coaches may also help clients address basic life needs, such as resolving housing issues, accessing clothing, and utilizing benefits.   

When emotional obstacles are identified, coaches and clients begin exploring how they can free themselves from destructive patterns, how to experience emotions in a healthy fashion, and how to follow one’s value and purpose. By being included in a supportive relationship, clients can feel more confident about making positive steps and redefining their approach to balanced mental health care.

As the peer support movement continues to grow throughout America, it’s important for those labeled with mental illness to know where to turn. That’s why the Mental Health Association of Rochester/Monroe County is committed to providing a wealth of peer support services to residents of Monroe County, NY. Whether you’re struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, these caring specialists will introduce you to a support network that will help you navigate your personalized recovery process. Visit this provider online to learn more about their services or call (585) 325-3145 to speak with a caring team member.