Intentional peer support
“Peer support is about social change” — Shery Mead
“As peer support in mental health proliferates, we must be mindful of our intention: social change. It is not about developing more effective services, but rather about creating dialogues that have influence on all of our understandings, conversations, and relationships.”
– Shery Mead, founder of IPS
Created in the 1990s by psychiatric survivor and social worker Shery Mead, Intentional Peer Support (IPS) is a framework of communication that centers around transforming relationships by deconstructing dominant “truths” about ourselves and the world around us. Guided by 3 principles and 4 tasks, Its innovative usage of peer support differentiates itself from traditional human services because1:
- IPS relationships are viewed as partnerships
- IPS doesn't start with the assumption of a problem
- IPS promotes trauma-informed ways of relating
- IPS examines our lives in the context of mutually accountable relationships and communities
- IPS encourages us to increasingly live and move towards
"An Overview of Intentional Peer Support with Chris Hansen"
“IPS Director Chris Hansen talks about the principles and tasks of Intentional Peer Support, and how they help create transformative relationships and social change.”
The 3 Principles of IPS
From Helping to Learning Together
How we show up in relationships with one another. Stepping away from the oppressive and invalidating dyamics of helper/helpee towards co-learning and empowerment.
From Individual to Relationship
Each person has equal responsibility to maintain the relationship so that it works for everyone involved. Externaling problems outside of the individual (you are not the problem; the problem is the problem).
From Fear to Hope and Possibility
A fear-based relationship is based on what’s wrong; a hope-based relationship is based on what’s possible. Trauma often results from loss of ability/power/choice.
The 4 Tasks of IPS
Connection
Connection is a bridge built by validation and vulnerability. Connection is the most important aspect of a relationship; without it, no progress can be made. It is not your job to change or fix things!
A few types of disconnects: Pushing an agenda, lecturing, probng, joking, changing the subject, cautioning
Mutuality
Understanding each other’s worldviews and sharing your own experiences. Mutual responsibility of fostering and maintaining the relationship.
Moving Towards
Moving towards what is possible rather than what is wrong. Asking each other what kind of relationship and life do we want to move towards? Planning steps necessary to get there.