Trauma and Mental Health Peer Support

Trauma is a factor in many people's lives and can lead to challenges that encompass all facets of living. This presentation will describe basic information about the characteristics and prevalence of trauma - relevant to the work of mental health peer specialists. Risk factors and protective factors will be reviewed so that peer supporters are better grounded in providing trauma-informed care in supporting recovery and resilience. The presentation will review the importance of language and perspective in working with someone who has or is experiencing trauma. It will also highlight how mental health peer specialists can benefit by shifting the focus to emotional understanding and strengths-based interactions that support successful recovery. ​Learning Objectives: - List at least 3 possible ways trauma may affect people seeking peer support - Explain the importance of strengths-based language and the use of empathy as a communication tool - State at least 4 tools for mental health peer support specialists to apply in relationships with people who have experienced trauma