Peer counselling is not an exact science, most of the time it may not be clear of what is the precise response to make, and therefore it requires flexibility as well as risk-taking. Especially considering the negative mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, people across Canada are struggling to get the mental health help they require. PeerSupport Canada connects peer supporters and organizations, helping share information and building capacity for peer support. Offering peer counselling services to an organizations members both assists the membership and enhances the organizations reputation. Patrick Raymond When the peer understands that to be helpful is to offer is acceptance without judgment, then it is easier for the peer to refrain from fixing. The year-long process of creating this document involved a thorough It is seductive for peer counsellors to see themselves as directing people into building better lives for themselves. If a peer wishes to ask such a question; then he sees that the client is concerned about their relationship with their father. This enables a complete discussion and greater understanding of what was said to the peer counsellor. CEU Information; Apply for CEU Course Approval; . In the AA model, people share the problem of alcohol negatively affecting their lives. While most people feel that it is helpful to give advice, the reality is that it is seldom taken or implemented. Truvada, Undetectable. After the trainees become more comfortable with the NANNIE Method, they then move to a one-on-one role play situation. The Peer Support Training Knowledge Matrix is currently being updated and is not available for purchase at this time. Workshop I: (Half day) Basic Theory and Skills of Peer Counseling It is very common for a person to harbour a desire for a person to change or move in some specific direction that the peer may feel is in the best interest of the other. Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certification Details More than two years of education or training after high school required? Although Certified Members pay certification fees annually, the certification credential is valid for a three-year period during which . If we rationally think about the effects of our judgment of these issues, we generally will know that our judgement will not be helpful in the process of discussion of these issues, but we often still find it hard to accept without judgment. These shared experiences can allow better empathy and enhance trust between the counsellor and client. This basic core condition that is widely accepted in counselling approaches is important because only when the person feels accepted are they free to explore more risky or treating issues. Until that time, CMHA will continue to provide organizational support in the form of administrative, financial and marketing communications services as a strategic partner. He reported that this was very helpful to sort out the problem and more clearly understand the complexity of his situation. Peers may not be the best at addressing severe mental illness (unless it is as a peer who has had similar experiences), or very complex issues like sexual abuse, suicide (unless it is peer support for this purpose). Doctors and nurses find this approach very difficult when they cannot give solutions and fix other peoples situations. In 2020, California passed a law (Senate Bill 803) that makes it possible for certified peer support specialists to be eligible for Medi-Cal reimbursement through county mental health plans and substance use disorder plans (behavioral health plans). However, we do wish to highlight that certification is invoiced by phase, so the fee is not required up front (unless requested by the candidate). Angela Betts* Persons who like a predictable safe way of working can find peer counselling difficult, because it is vague, without a rigid set of rules of what to do. In one teaching situation, I did a counselling demonstration for over half an hour and I had no idea of what the problem was that the client was talking about. Self-determination and free choice as human possibilities, The client is the expert for both the content and process of discussion. This manual is written for Certified Peer Counselors working for the benefit of what is known as the "Primary Consumer". Peer counseling is useful in a variety of environments, including health care, substance abuse, self-help groups and education. Certification verifies ones alignment with the nationally endorsed Standard of Practice, and is recognized across Canada. Dennis, Cindy-Lee, Peer support within a health care context: a concept analysis, International Journal of Nursing Studies, 321-332. If the peer has information that the client needs then of course the peer will provide factual information for the client. Gordon, Thomas, PET, Parent Effective Training, A proven program for raising Responsible Children, Random House of Canada, 2000. Did you enjoy the sun? A physician once told me he really likes counselling his patients, but he felt that he was not very good at it. Empathy is a basic part of counselling. The role plays are the time when real learning and integration happens so it is important that the trainer make the role play a maximal learning experience. This can be challenging at first but often the trainees feel good to be able to respond spontaneously without checking with another person first. Certified peer counselor training application. The peer is there to help, out of caring for others; they are not being paid to listen to others. The client can explore many aspects of his relationship with his father even if the father is dead, not around, or close by. Peer Resources Abstract The rationale, origins, and practice of peer counseling, a system of training people to help each other through empathy and decision making, are detailed. Your local CMHA branch may also be a good resource to direct you to local service options. and have found new ways of working together to support peer supporters across the country. Peer and Organizational Activation and Training is part of RI Consulting, a business unit of RI International. Reinforcement of good use of the method is very important. This approach is based on focusing on the human being as a person and putting the person in the centre of psychotherapy, it is seen as an art of personal encounter. The peer also may be able to empathise better with someone if they have shared some of the same problems. The most well-known modern peer-based program in North America is the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) model, which dates back to the 1930s. These basic core conditions are the basis of many current counselling theories. One may be tempted to fix by telling the other that this is extremely dangerous and they need to use condoms when they are having anal sex. The trainer needs to demonstrate how to reframe questions into reflections is the best way of supporting the peers in learning a very new way of communicating. Certification is a confirmation of your knowledge and experience, rather than a form of training. It is important that the peer is honest with others. To submit an application, please view the Call for Applicants: Peer Support Canada Advisory Committee. The message about not fixing and no questions needs to be continuously reinforced and modeled by the trainer. It is important that the peer share the same characteristics that are identified for the peer. The peers also bring a human experience, rather than a professional role. Mailing/posting of flyers 2. Peer support programmes can look very different depending on your setting. The peer has an understanding of what it is like to for example live with a cancer diagnosis, or the emotional impact of being raped, or living as a gay teen. Learn the skills of observation, listening, and empathic communication that counselors need, while also discovering basic training in conflict resolution and group leadership. It does not have to be a big problem but something to talk about that has real meaning for the person talking about their problem. The non-directive approach is a type of psychotherapy in which the patient is in the dominant position and is given complete freedom to express himself. The time to invest in peer support as an integral part of the mental health system is now, says Debbie Wiebe, Member, Peer Support Canada Certification Committee. Certification verifies ones alignment with the nationally endorsed Standard of Practice, and is recognized across Canada. A bisexual person may not relate as well as a gay person to the issues faced by gay youth. By peers not giving advice not fixing, they sometimes feel not useful. The focus remains on the client and his needs not the peers needs. It can give students who provide peer support an opportunity to raise some of the issues that they are presented with. A good example of the advice giving and fixing would be a situation where a person is repeatedly engaging in very risking sex. Many people feel more comfortable discussing their situation with someone who has experience in confronting a similar problem that the client is having. This free online curriculum includes a comprehensive peer-support worker training course with 16 individual interactive learning modules as well as a range of additional resources for individual learners and facilitators, including in-depth standards of practice, a series of peer-designed Additional Insights tools, videos that summarize the core. The questions tend to narrow and shut down exploration of the situation. If desired, we will also keep applications on file for next terms recruitment (starting in January 2024). It allows the client to go wherever he wants to go in response. The peers can practice the skills with their family and friends. Personally secure tolerance of ambiguity. The organizations will work together to maintain the integrity of this high-quality certification process while they undergo a rigorous strategic planning exercise to map out Peer Support Canadas path forward. This is the opportunity for them to try to apply the basic principles learned. AIDS Patient Care and STDs, 2007, 21,843-859. The goal of the training is to provide ample time to practice using the skills presented, in an easy non-threatening situation. - (R) Resources, (A) Advocate, (C) Communicate and (E) Empower. Shawn Pendenque The opportunity for a class to see the application of the NANNIE method provides a practical realistic use of the method. These three aspects all relate to the peers intervening, controlling, directing. It seeks to make counseling assistance more broadly available to a wider population. The peers are asked to not have their ego involved in the counselling process. In addition, the exercise is much more than choosing the right phrase or sentence to respond to respond to the client. Encouragement and connection during . The effective peer will find a way to introduce a concept without asking a question. Peer Support Canada is looking for individuals with a diverse range of personal and professional experiences to apply for a volunteer position on our Advisory Committee. Certification helps extend a peer supporters network across Canada. The it is not about you aspect of the NANNIE method helps the peer to stay out of the way of the client telling his of situation. Increase the recognition, growth, and accessibility of peer support within the mental health and substance use health spaces. These types of questions do not enhance the clients understand of the issue but are for the peer. Through this process, the client feels heard, accepted, and safe to explore fully the issue at hand. By not asking questions, the peer also clearly demonstrates a focus on the content of what he is being told. Psychological Bulletin, 86, 80-92. They need to be non-threatening, easy to talk to. To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must be a District resident and at least 18 years . This can be especially true of persons who are trained in a job where their value is to give advice and tell others how to behave. The curriculum was created by reviewing relevant literature, collaborating with staff at different school sites The supplemental training is a five day, 40 hour, classroom style training held in various cities around the . The peers need to freely discuss the areas that they are having problems and special attention should be given to learn how to overcome the problems that peers are having in applying the Model. Be accepted for, and successfully complete, the HCA-approved CPC training. Peer counseling is a unique way of offering therapy services to society through peers who provide advice and suggestions to people in need. These experiences are what make them a peer. This is very similar toRogers unconditional positive regard. Toronto, ON M5T 2Z5. An additional strength for this model is that it is very inexpensive to implement. The role of a peer counselor is a rewarding one. Once the peers understand that not only is this not helpful but also that people will find their own solutions, without the aid of advice or fixes. He is there for the client. The peer counsellor will discuss what he heard from the client with his assistant (in front of the silent client). The peer of course wishes to assist exploration of issues in the broadest way possible. What are the Health Care Authority's (HCA's) requirements to qualify as a Certified Peer Counselor (CPC)? It is important to provide supervision as soon as possible after the volunteer practice. The peer also needs to look like his peers he is working with. In selecting people for the training to be a peer counsellor, there are a few important characteristics. In selecting peers, they need not be without judgment but open to letting go of their judgment of others. The peer must remain a peer and not be encumbered with extensive theory. Peer counsellors often need to be reminded that they are not to try to influence change but they are to support the person in exploration of their options and support their choices. The peer counsellor needs to be someone who is likeable, and someone that is comfortable to be with. The peers may have some feelings about what is being talked about but they need to work hard to avoid this affecting the counselling. The non-directive approach to counselling. Extra help and support often needs to be provided to assist the peers to understand how to proceed without asking questions. with the National Stuttering Project. Debbie Wiebe During the role-play the instructor will observe many different situations and they can bring into whole group discussion discussions about problems and difficulties observed in the role plays. Because the peer is not fixing the client, he does not need to understand details, (like where he went on his vacation.) Only a peer who is living on the street can truly understand the problems and feelings experienced while living on the street. Fiona Wilson* Peer therapy eliminates awkwardness and stereotyping associated with visiting a counseling officer. The Peer Support Canada Mentors and Certification Committee see an urgent opportunity to strengthen the practices and presence of peer support to meet the increased demand.. and Condoms; what is best for you? CAPS is an immersive 84-hour, 12-week training program that will prepare peers to take the California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Exam. Peer support programs utilize trusted leaders within your organization to help support team members struggling with the mental and physical impact of working in incredibly stressful environments. You will want someone who is flexible and can adapt to a new approach to listening to and helping others. The Peer Support Canada Certification standards have been endorsed by members of the peer support community across Canada and, as such, the credentials are national in scope, allowing peer supporters to carry the credential with them in work settings across the provinces and territories. I found this material very useful. The principles that form the foundation of the practice of peer support. They have learned to listen without judgment and assist the client to explore their concerns and find their own solutions. Andy Cox* DBHDD only offers certification to individuals completing training and testing as provided by DBHDD and . The questions do not get in the way of the expression of the situation and feelings of the client. These shared experiences will allow greater understanding (enhanced empathy) of the problems faced by the client. In 2010, the Mental Health Commission of Canada and its Workforce Advisory Committee (WAC) identified an opportunity to transform the mental health system in Canada through the integration and promotion of peer support. Take and pass the state CPC oral and written exams. The peers job is only to create an accepting open space to explore problems. Often the desire to ask questions is for the benefit of the peer understanding more about a particular situation. Certified membership with CCPA costs $260 annually, comprised of a $185 membership fee plus a $75 certification fee. A peer may be able to be without judgment of a situation that the client brought to them but they must also have no agenda for that person to change in some way the peer believes to be in the clients own best interest. The peers initially may wish to help and often find it difficult not to offer advice, but they also have learned that by fixing, they limit exploration of the problem and the client is less likely to act on the offered solution. Role-play is the best way for people to learn the skills of peer counselling. The helping peer also understands that the peer provides an environment where the client can explore the dynamics of the problems and talk about them openly and freely until they find something that works for them. By not giving advice, peers avoid situations where there may be problematic results. The peer needs to be free to attend fully to the client and bring only his human understanding and acceptance to provide the comfort and safety to explore fully the clients issues. But before that, lets explore the No Questions aspect. Your email address will not be published. It can be easy for a peer to do more educating than listening. Similarly, peers in many situations may have greater understandings of the particular circumstances that a professional may lack. The client learns more about the many different ways one can interpret something that is said. Fully understanding the experience of the client from his perspective not the peers own life experiences. The peer much also think about how it might feel for that person and their situation. Very few professional therapists can truly understand the life of living on the street the way a peer is able to understand. It is not about you is to keep the focus on the client and not on the peer. When you apply for certification, there is an additional $95 evaluation fee. The silver lining of the pandemic is that its forced everyone to think differently about how we do things. We are pleased to share that in support of our organizations Strategic Plan, and in response to feedback weve heard from our stakeholders, we are undergoing a review and update of our certification program. This takes the focus away from what the client wants to talk about. They may work with people experiencing: Depression Anxiety Post-traumatic stress disorder Addiction We seldom take other peoples advice, and more often follow the solution we find within ourselves. PEER COUNSELING TRAINING MANUAL 1. Phone: (415) 800-0699. The process includes four steps. Please note, Peer Support Canada views certification as voluntary and recognizes that not all peer supporters will choose this path. We continue to collaborate with CMHA National The advice is not usually useful and is given more for the benefit of the helper. Indigo Peer Counseling strives to foster a supportive and empathetic campus environment for undergraduate students grappling with and addressing concerns that lie at the intersection of identity and mental health. An example of this might be an intelligent successful individual may decide to leave his wife and kids and just tour the world on his own, or decide to begin experimenting with heroin, or expand their use of pornography and prostitutes.

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