Peer Treatment

Peers support the client so that they can achieve the goals the client and team members have outlined in the Life Plan. Our role in the treatment phase is accomplished through one-to-one coaching and support groups. One-to-one coaching focuses on individual issues in a private setting. Support groups are meetings with others who share similar goals that are directed by a trained peer facilitator.

One-to-one coaching is not therapy. Issues around medication or topics that are better handled by the other experts are deferred to the appropriate resource. The peer's role is to be the one with empathy that can encourage the client to keep on the path to success. This does not mean that the peer role is somehow less important. To the contrary, the peer is the only one who has been down the path and can recognize where the client is veering off. The peer brings insight to the entire team while being the main cheerleader that keeps the client making the effort.

We meet regularly in person, via phone, or internet to discuss areas in which the client might be struggling. From our unique perspective we are able to offer guidance. If a client has issues or concerns about their treatment program, we work with them on how to improve the program for their individual needs. These discussions enable us to provide valuable feedback to the other team members to make the client's experience even more worthwhile.

Our support groups are topic-based. In a sense they are like mini workshops. Each meeting covers a specific topic in depth and ends with homework to prepare for the next meeting. Support group facilitation takes great skill to be effective. It takes training and experience to keep the conversation on track while getting all participants fully engaged. Being able to "feel the energy" of the group and know when to change activities is more art than science. We use a combination of directed conversations with the whole group, small group discussions in groups of three or four, and individual introspection, all interwoven with lecture, videos, games, and other teaching methods.

The power of well facilitated group work is that it reinforces strength-based learning. The focus is on progress and personal growth. Each person brings different insight that contributes to the understanding and education of others. It also creates important bonds that work outside the group to help each other stay on track. Participants often comment that it is good to know they are not alone. They develop friendships and have a new sense of belonging and hope.

In the support group environment, not only do we have the leader exhibiting a high level of success, but others in the group are examples of the process at different stages of development. This helps all participants see what can be accomplished in the short- as well as long-term. It also lets members see others on the path to success and this builds confidence in their own efforts.

It is important to differentiate between peer support by someone coming from success and what is practiced all too often in the peer support community. If the peer does not have the condition "in order" and is failing in his/her own life, how can the support lead to anything but a similar failure? Walking someone down a path that did not work out will only confuse him/her and strengthen the false belief that we need to accept failure as the outcome.

Many doctors hesitate to send patients to peer support organizations because they see the shortcomings of the approach when done wrong. We have developed a support group model that promises genuine learning and better outcomes.

The most important outcomes of our peer program are having graduates who are examples of success that people can aspire to. Successful peers encourage a responsible approach to improving our lives.

Contact our Personal Advocate to help you to find the right provider for your needs.