Peer Support Role and Lived Experience Flashcards

What is the PRIMARY purpose of a CRSS sharing their personal recovery story with a peer?

Answer: To instill hope and demonstrate that recovery is possible

Self-disclosure in peer support is intentional and purposeful — the primary goal is to instill hope by demonstrating lived proof that recovery is achievable. It is not meant to establish expertise or prescribe a specific path for the peer.

Which of the following BEST describes appropriate self-disclosure by a CRSS?

Answer: Selectively sharing relevant personal experience in a way that benefits the peer

Appropriate self-disclosure is intentional and selective — a CRSS shares what is relevant and beneficial to the peer's recovery journey, not everything (which can make the session about the CRSS) or nothing (which loses the value of lived experience).

What PRIMARILY distinguishes the peer support relationship from a clinical therapeutic relationship?

Answer: Peer support is grounded in shared lived experience and mutuality rather than an expert-patient hierarchy

The defining characteristic of peer support is mutuality — the peer specialist has lived experience that creates a relationship of shared humanity rather than a clinician-to-patient hierarchy. This is what makes peer support distinct and valuable.

A peer tells their CRSS, 'You don't understand what it's like — you've never been through this.' The BEST response is to:

Answer: Acknowledge the peer's feelings while gently drawing on shared experience where appropriate

The CRSS should first validate the peer's feelings, then may briefly and intentionally draw on lived experience. Sharing the full story is inappropriate; disclosure should be purposeful and focused on the peer's benefit, not proving a point.

Which of the following represents an INAPPROPRIATE use of self-disclosure by a CRSS?

Answer: Sharing the personal contact information of the CRSS's own sponsor

Sharing a sponsor's personal contact information crosses privacy boundaries, involves a third party without consent, and centers the CRSS's personal network rather than focusing on the peer's needs. The other examples are appropriately brief and relevant disclosures.

The concept of 'mutuality' in peer support means that:

Answer: Both the CRSS and peer can experience growth and benefit from the relationship

Mutuality refers to the bidirectional nature of the peer relationship — while the CRSS is there primarily to support the peer, both individuals can experience connection and growth. This two-way quality distinguishes peer support from traditional one-directional clinical treatment.