According to the National Association of Peer Supporters (NAPS), "A peer supporter is an individual with a life-altering lived experience of psychiatric, substance use, or other challenges who has made a personal commitment to his or her own recovery and has a desire to use what was learned from one’s own lived experiences to assist others with similar challenges" (Peer Supporter Definition, n.d.).

I like to say that working with a peer supporter (more commonly called a peer support specialist) is like having a professional friend - in many ways, they understand what challenges you are going through, because they have been there before with their own mental health condition or substance use disorder. With shared lived experience, they come alongside you to support you wherever you are in your recovery journey. 

Peer support can include co-creating with you a recovery plan, such as a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), discussing coping skills, or simply listening to you while you share your struggles. Another important aspect in peer support is that YOU take the driver's seat - you are in charge of directing your recovery. The peer support specialist is simply there to support you in your recovery goals, whatever direction that may take.