Text Box: Kellianne O’Brien The Bureau of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services sponsored a week-long, intensive 40-hour Peer Specialist Training in Madison from April 21st - 25th. The National Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) sent three trainers with a comprehensive curriculum. Thirty consumers from around the state assembled in a hotel meeting room, elbow to elbow and knee to knee. There wasn’t a spare chair in the room. The primary trainer, Ike, was an avowed missionary who had previously worked “for the poor” in other countries. Ike introduced himself as the assembler of the DBSA curriculum and stated the limits of his own experience, up front, since he is not a consumer. Donna and Anita, also team trainers, introduced themselves and their experiences as consumers, and explained their affiliations with DBSA. A variety of consumers attended the training, some of whom I knew well, others whom I got to know well in a short time. Several of the consumers were already working as peer specialists; others aspired to become peer specialists; and others were working part-time or full-time in different capacities. Due to the intensity of the working quarters, the density of the curriculum and the seriousness of the subject matter, we were allowed a 10-minute break every hour, on the hour. During breaks, we decompressed from the previous hour’s work. We learned about the stages of recovery, how to brainstorm and problem solve, and how to listen to each other and to the consumer we might one day assist. There were many role plays: although volunteers were sometimes in the “hot seat,” they endured the challenge. We learned how to share relevant parts of our recovery stories in order to be able to assist consumers. We even learned how to advocate for our own positions as peer specialists with supervisors, administrators and others who might not be open to our presence in their agencies. So, are we ready yet to enter the workforce as peer specialists? Well, yes and no. There is a final exam over Memorial Day weekend that we have to pass to be certified by DBSA. There is the issue of eventual state certification requirements for peer specialists. And there is also the question: “Where is the job market for certified peer specialists in Wisconsin?” Despite these unknowns, thirty consumers packed into a room, sat side by side, and were consistently challenged to do better for other consumers. “Would you do it again?” Ask someone who was there.

Spring/Summer 2008
Text Box: Peer Specialist Training: a Live Report

 

“The peer support groups have saved my life in so many ways. The conferences and peer support has shown me that I'm not alone and I’m no different than anybody else. It helped me to realize I'm not such a bad person after all. Thanks personally to everybody who has helped me understand all of that, because I feel so much better overall.”  

-Pam M. 

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Text Box: Creating opportunities for people with mental illness to exercise power in their lives