CPSS Recovery Principles & Peer Support Practices 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'non-linear recovery' mean in peer support practice?
- Recovery always moves backward before it moves forward
- Recovery does not follow a straight path and may include setbacks, plateaus, and changes in direction (Correct answer)
- Recovery must be completed within a set timeframe
- Non-linear recovery only applies to dual diagnosis conditions
Correct answer: Recovery does not follow a straight path and may include setbacks, plateaus, and changes in direction
Recovery is a unique, individual journey that rarely follows a straight line and may involve periods of progress, setback, and redirection.
Question 2: Which NC state agency oversees the certification of Peer Support Specialists in North Carolina?
- North Carolina Department of Transportation
- North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (NC DMHDDSUS) (Correct answer)
- North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Social Workers
- North Carolina Department of Labor
Correct answer: North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services (NC DMHDDSUS)
NC DMHDDSUS oversees the training requirements and certification process for Peer Support Specialists in North Carolina.
Question 3: Which of the following scenarios demonstrates an appropriate use of peer specialist 'intentional disclosure'?
- Sharing every detail of personal recovery history to build rapport quickly
- Briefly sharing a relevant personal experience to help a peer feel less alone, then redirecting to the peer's needs (Correct answer)
- Disclosing personal struggles to seek support from the peer
- Avoiding all personal disclosure to maintain professional distance
Correct answer: Briefly sharing a relevant personal experience to help a peer feel less alone, then redirecting to the peer's needs
Intentional disclosure is brief, purposeful, and refocused on the peer's experience rather than the specialist's own story.
Question 4: A peer specialist notices signs that a peer may be experiencing domestic violence. What should they do?
- Confront the suspected abuser directly on the peer's behalf
- Provide information about resources, ensure the peer feels supported, and follow mandatory reporting protocols as applicable (Correct answer)
- Wait until the peer volunteers the information before taking any action
- Contact local law enforcement without the peer's knowledge
Correct answer: Provide information about resources, ensure the peer feels supported, and follow mandatory reporting protocols as applicable
Peer specialists support safety by sharing resources, offering non-judgmental support, and following mandatory reporting requirements when applicable.
Question 5: What is the MAIN difference between 'peer support' and 'clinical therapy' in terms of the relationship?
- Peer support involves diagnosis while therapy involves treatment
- Peer support is based on shared lived experience and mutuality, while therapy is a professional-to-client relationship (Correct answer)
- Therapy is free while peer support is billed to insurance
- Peer support only occurs in group settings while therapy is always individual
Correct answer: Peer support is based on shared lived experience and mutuality, while therapy is a professional-to-client relationship
The defining feature of peer support is the use of shared lived experience and a mutual, non-hierarchical relationship.
Question 6: In recovery-oriented systems of care, 'community integration' refers to:
- Returning to inpatient treatment when community living becomes difficult
- Supporting individuals to participate fully in community life, including social, civic, and vocational roles (Correct answer)
- Integrating clinical staff into peer support programs
- Moving individuals into group homes with 24-hour supervision
Correct answer: Supporting individuals to participate fully in community life, including social, civic, and vocational roles
Community integration means supporting individuals to live, work, and connect meaningfully in their communities rather than in segregated or institutional settings.
Question 7: Which behavior MOST undermines the peer support relationship?
- Sharing relevant personal experiences selectively
- Making decisions for the peer without their input or consent (Correct answer)
- Connecting the peer with community resources
- Checking in between scheduled meetings
Correct answer: Making decisions for the peer without their input or consent
Making decisions for the peer without consent violates self-determination and autonomy, which are core values of peer support.
CPSS Recovery Principles & Peer Support Practices 5
What does 'non-linear recovery' mean in peer support practice?