Exploring the Heart, Hustle, and Hope of Being a Peer Counselor.
Imagine turning your pain into purpose. Imagine that your toughest moments weren't just struggles, but stepping stones. That's the heartbeat of peer work. But before you jump in with both feet, let's get real about what it is, what it isn't, and whether it's the right path for you.
What is Peer Work?
At its core, peer counselors are a living, breathing example of recovery, resilience, and realness. Peer counselors use their lived experience, whether with mental health, substance use, incarceration, or trauma. We walk alongside others on their own healing journeys. It's not about fixing anyone. It's about standing beside them and saying, "I've been there too." It's raw. It's human. And yeah, it's powerful.
The Highs: When the Work Works
Connection that Counts: You're not clocking in for a paycheck alone. You're showing up with purpose. The moments when someone says, "You made me feel seen," or "You helped me not give up", those are gold.
Healing in Real Time: You're helping others grow, but guess what? You're growing too. Every group, every conversation, every breakthrough.
Building Something Bigger: The Peer Movement in Washington State is evolving fast. With platforms like The Washington Peer Network and Washington Peer Jobs, opportunities are expanding statewide. From crisis response to recovery coaching to reentry support, peers are stepping into roles that didn't exist a decade ago and changing the system from the inside out.
The Hard Truths: What Instagram Won't Show You
Emotional Fatigue is Real: You hold space for others, but who's holding space for you? Without strong boundaries and support systems, burnout creeps in. You've got to protect your own recovery like your life depends on it because it does.
Systems Can Suck: Let's be honest. Not every agency "gets" peer work. You might be treated like "less than" or pushed into clinical boxes that don't fit. That's frustrating, but it's also a call to lead from the inside. This movement needs you to help change the narrative.
The Pay Isn't Always Pretty: While peer roles are growing, fair wages are still catching up. But don't lose hope. Advocacy is shifting tides, and more agencies are recognizing the real value of peer work. The more we show up with strength and skill, the more the world starts to notice.
Is Peer Work Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- Do I have lived experience that I'm ready to share in a way that empowers others?
- Can I hold space for someone without trying to fix them?
- Am I open to continual growth, feedback, and learning?
- Do I believe healing is possible? Not just for others, but for myself too?
If you said yes to most of these, peer work might just be your calling. And if you're unsure? That's okay too. Sometimes the best first step is just being around other peers. Check out local trainings and community events.
Final Word: The Revolution is Peer-Led
We're not waiting on permission anymore. Peer work is rising because lived experience is expertise. It's not always easy, but it's always real. And that's what makes it worth it.
If you're ready to blend your story with service and healing, then welcome! The Washington Peer Network is growing, and there's a spot for you.