When introducing yourself as a peer to a participant, what is essential to mention?

Mentioning your role as a Recovery Support Specialist is essential when introducing yourself to a participant because it provides clarity about the relationship and the boundaries within the support dynamic. By stating your role, you help establish a professional context where the participant can understand the type of support you are there to provide. This clarity is critical for building trust and rapport, as it sets the expectation that your primary purpose is to aid in their recovery journey through your unique perspective as someone who has had similar experiences.

On the other hand, sharing a personal recovery story, while impactful, may not be as immediately crucial in the introduction compared to establishing your role. Your opinions on the recovery process may not be relevant or appropriate in an initial introduction, as the focus should be on the participant rather than on your personal beliefs. Additionally, identifying yourself as a licensed therapist could create confusion about your relationship with the participant, as it might imply a therapeutic rather than a peer support role. It is vital to ensure that participants understand the nature of peer support to fully benefit from the experience.