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Hi everyone!
I'm a 46 year old looking to fullfill her dream as a ceritfied Peer Support Specialist. In case you didn't know what a Peer Support Specialist is it is "a person who has walked the path of recovery from mental illness and is employed to assist others in their journeys of recovery. Peers promote hope through positive self-disclosure, demonstrating that recovery is possible. They provide role models of self-care and the effective use of recovery skills. They lead support groups. Their experience and knowledge helps others in managing day-to-day life, not only with the illness but also with the social and human service systems. They also help people overcome discrimination, stigma and/or trauma. Peers listen attentively with respect, acceptance, and encouragement to the
wants and needs of the people with whom they work. They assist people in obtaining resources, overcoming barriers, building protective factors, and pursuing their goals and dreams. Working on recovery and a life of health and wellness is a journey that takes time and daily work. Setbacks or relapses are possible. With the coping skills, supports and tools you learn, life can and will return to one of maintenance much sooner. Peers have walked this road and understand in a way others who have not lived with a mental illness cannot."-Northern Lakes Community Mental Health
As someone that has struggled with mental illness since 1999 this is a dream and passion of mine to be able to help others that struggle with mental illness and help them on there road to recovery.
Over the years I found myself working in one unfulfilling job after the next and I was unable to find ways in pursuing my dream to help others that suffered with mental illness. Until 6 months ago as I became a leader of a depression/anxiety support group in my church. I find that it is rewarding and fullfilling a long time dream of mine. After leading the group after these several months I came to realize how much I was suited to work as a peer specialist and I now know that I possess the abilities and qualities in working with people that suffer from mental illness. I also have written a blog that is meant to inspire and encourage others that suffer from mental illness and let them know that they are are not alone. It can be found at alongtheway10.blogspot.com.
As far as what I am doing now I am currently employed as a dog walker and pet sitter and have been employed for 2 years. I'm capable of much more and it's my heart desire to train and become a peer support specialist.
Thank you for reading my request.
Lauren Gervasio
Success stories of a peer specialist:
https://vimeo.com/117603630
I'm a 46 year old looking to fullfill her dream as a ceritfied Peer Support Specialist. In case you didn't know what a Peer Support Specialist is it is "a person who has walked the path of recovery from mental illness and is employed to assist others in their journeys of recovery. Peers promote hope through positive self-disclosure, demonstrating that recovery is possible. They provide role models of self-care and the effective use of recovery skills. They lead support groups. Their experience and knowledge helps others in managing day-to-day life, not only with the illness but also with the social and human service systems. They also help people overcome discrimination, stigma and/or trauma. Peers listen attentively with respect, acceptance, and encouragement to the
wants and needs of the people with whom they work. They assist people in obtaining resources, overcoming barriers, building protective factors, and pursuing their goals and dreams. Working on recovery and a life of health and wellness is a journey that takes time and daily work. Setbacks or relapses are possible. With the coping skills, supports and tools you learn, life can and will return to one of maintenance much sooner. Peers have walked this road and understand in a way others who have not lived with a mental illness cannot."-Northern Lakes Community Mental Health
As someone that has struggled with mental illness since 1999 this is a dream and passion of mine to be able to help others that struggle with mental illness and help them on there road to recovery.
Over the years I found myself working in one unfulfilling job after the next and I was unable to find ways in pursuing my dream to help others that suffered with mental illness. Until 6 months ago as I became a leader of a depression/anxiety support group in my church. I find that it is rewarding and fullfilling a long time dream of mine. After leading the group after these several months I came to realize how much I was suited to work as a peer specialist and I now know that I possess the abilities and qualities in working with people that suffer from mental illness. I also have written a blog that is meant to inspire and encourage others that suffer from mental illness and let them know that they are are not alone. It can be found at alongtheway10.blogspot.com.
As far as what I am doing now I am currently employed as a dog walker and pet sitter and have been employed for 2 years. I'm capable of much more and it's my heart desire to train and become a peer support specialist.
Thank you for reading my request.
Lauren Gervasio
Success stories of a peer specialist:
https://vimeo.com/117603630