What is Individual Peer Support?
May 22, 2023
4 min read
The best one-on-one conversation out there.
Written by Mikaela Brewer
It is comforting to speak with others, peers, who have similar experiences to us. Typically we join peer support in the form of groups, but it can also take place one-on-one. We know that one-on-one conversations often enable more depth, but what is individual peer support? What does it look like? What are the benefits? How do you find it?
Perhaps the greatest thing about individual peer support is the versatility of a one-on-one conversation, which can happen just about anywhere: a coffee shop, art centre, library, Zoom (and the plethora of other platforms), or during a neighbourhood walk. They can be both unplanned drop-ins or scheduled times. And the benefits are the same, regardless of format!
Individual Versus Group Peer Support
Individual peer support is personal, informal, and less intimidating—it truly helps us feel seen and heard, especially within the context of something that’s difficult to bring to a group. It also allows your peer supporter to tailor to your specific needs and experiences.
The secret ingredient is empathy
A one-on-one peer support relationship fosters empathy around a shared experience. In a one-on-one setting, our peer supporter can offer a more intimate atlas of practical advice, stories, encouragement, motivation, and tips for navigating our lives. Further, one of the most beautiful characteristics is that you can do the same—individual peer support spaces are curated for equals.
A fundamental pillar of individual peer support is this two-way empathy—which requires two engaged voices both sharing and receiving. Though built on empathy, clinical therapy settings are often one-way (therapists infrequently share their own experiences). This is a necessary and often helpful boundary in the therapist-client relationship. Individual peer support can accompany therapy by incorporating a slightly different relationship—one that allows us to hear our peer supporter’s experiences, learnings, recovery, and healing in a way that is supportive and builds both self- and other-oriented empathy.
Why You Should Try Individual Peer Support
I will always advocate for people to seek professional mental health services, but there are many barriers to access (costs & insurance, location, frequency, number of therapists available, etc.).
The benefits
Individual peer support offers an accessible therapy adjacent (but importantly, although it may help plug a hole, it is not a replacement!). Individual peer support can complement therapy beautifully, rounding out your mental health support and recovery network in the spaces between clinical care sessions.
Who should try individual peer support?
Ultimately, individual peer support carves a safe space for vulnerable, honest conversations for anyone who needs a moment to connect with someone who they know will listen, empathize, understand, and hold space compassionately.
You are not alone. Individual peer support can be an essential step in your recovery journey and path to further resources. There is no shame in asking for help, and there are resources available to support you.
How to Find Individual Peer Support
If you’d like to explore peer support with Resolvve, head to this page to read more or schedule a FREE one-on-one peer support meet & greet here!
If you are interested in exploring additional individual peer support resources, there are many available online and in-person, through NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance), 7 Cups, and SupportGroupsCentral.
If you prefer in-person support, consider connecting with peers in your community! You can reach out to local mental health organizations or search for community-based support groups and events in your area.
**Please note, this is article is not therapy or a replacement for it. Engaging with it does not constitute a therapeutic relationship of any kind with the writer. Please seek professional help if needed.**
