What is Trauma-Informed Lived Experience Peer Support?

Trauma-informed lived experience peer support is a unique form of support where someone can offer you guidance, understanding, and companionship. Because they really get it, they have been where you are now.

It's the profound connection combined with a mutual understanding of how trauma affects us. What we need to feel safe, vulnerable and trusted to allow us to share.

Born from: Feeling so alone in my journey and knowing that connecting with others that really understand comforted me, as they have walked a similar path.

When I finally found someone who said, "I've been exactly where you are," everything changed. That moment of recognition - of being truly seen, authentically heard and understood by someone who has similar experiences.

This became the foundation of healing I'd been searching for. Now, I offer that same presence and understanding to others: the power of "me too" and "you're not alone."

My approach is authentic connection from someone who has faced similar struggles, understands how trauma impacts our lives, and now walks alongside others with deep understanding and respect for their journey.

The Power of "Me Too"

There's something deeply reassuring about hearing someone say, "I understand because I've been there" and knowing they truly mean it. When you're struggling with mental health challenges, trauma, addiction, grief, or life transitions, connecting with someone who has lived through similar experiences can be transformative.

Trauma-informed lived experience peer support recognizes that:

• Your story matters - every detail of your journey has value and meaning

• You're not alone - others have walked similar paths and found their way through

• Healing is possible - the person supporting, can offer hope through mutual understanding and connection.

• You are the expert on your own experience, and peer support honors that wisdom

• Safety - everything we do together prioritizes your sense of safety and choice

• Trauma affects everyone differently - your responses and needs are valid and respected

Trauma-Informed Lived Experience Peer Support Offers:

• Authentic connection, mutual understanding and experiences based on shared experiences

• Complete safety and choice - you're always in control of what we explore and how deep we go

• Mutual respect – we are on this journey together, I really understand.

• Understanding of trauma responses - recognizing triggers, coping mechanisms, and healing patterns

• Hope through example - seeing someone who has been where you are and are thriving

• Practical wisdom - Strategies that have worked in lived experience, are evidence based, person centered and truly trauma informed.

• Reduced shame and isolation - knowing you're not the only one who has struggled this way, and connecting with another

• Your pace, always - Following your lead and comfort level

What Does Peer Support Look Like?

Our time together might include:

Sharing Stories - Both yours and mine, creating connection through common experiences and understanding

Practical Strategies - Real tools and approaches that have worked in actual lived experience, not just theory

Hope and Inspiration - Seeing possibilities for your future through someone else's recovery and growth

Validation and Understanding - Having your experiences truly heard and acknowledged by someone who gets it

Skill Building - Learning coping strategies, communication tools, and self-care practices from someone who uses them daily

Advocacy Support - Help navigating systems, accessing resources, warm referrals, wrap around support or finding your voice in challenging situations

Crisis Support - Being there during difficult times with the understanding that comes from personal experience

Who Benefits from Peer Support?

Lived experience peer support can be valuable for anyone dealing with:

• Mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma

• Complex childhood trauma

• Addiction and recovery journeys

• Grief and loss

• Life transitions and major changes

• Chronic illness or disability

• Family or relationship difficulties

• Feeling isolated or misunderstood

• Navigating complex systems (healthcare, social services, legal)

• Anyone who feels like others "just don't get it"

The Unique Value of Shared Experience

When someone shares lived or living experiences, they bring:

Credibility - They have the knowing and understanding, that others may not.

Hope - Living proof that recovery, healing, and growth are possible

Practical Knowledge - Real strategies used and worked

Cultural Understanding - Insight into the unique challenges and strengths of your journey

Reduced Stigma - No judgment because they've been there themselves

Authentic Empathy - Understanding that comes from the heart, not just the head

What You Can Expect

Complete Safety and Respect - This is your space to be exactly as you are, with someone who understands trauma responses and creates the safest possible environment

Your Pace, Your Boundaries - We never push or rush. You decide what to share, when to share it, and how deep to go

Trauma-Informed Understanding - Recognizing that your responses, coping mechanisms, and ways of being make perfect sense given what you've experienced

Strengths-Based Approach - Seeing the incredible resilience and wisdom you've developed through your journey

Flexible and Responsive Support - Adapting to your needs in each moment, whether you need grounding, processing, or just someone who gets it

More Than Just Support - It's Connection

Lived experience peer support isn't just about getting help - it's about connection, mutual growth, and the profound healing that happens when we realize we're not alone in our struggles. It's about discovering that your pain has purpose, and your story has power.

The challenges you've faced, the strength you've shown, and the wisdom you've gained all have value. Peer support honours this truth while offering hope, connection, and practical support for whatever comes next.

Aswell, as my own lived and living experiences, I have trained as a peer companion to offer my lived experienced in a professional appropriate capacity.

I have also worked as a Regional Peer Coordinator, leading a team of peers in the community for suicide prevention/postvention and complex trauma.