About
Skills for Expanding Expertise in Peer Support (SEEPS) was developed as part of a NIDLRR-funded research project led in partnership with Portland State University. SEEPS is a theory, set of skills, tools and comprehensive trainings for young adult Peer Support Specialists and supervisors working in Early Psychosis programs.
SEEPS Key Skills for Peer Support Specialists
1) Understanding and describing the Peer Support Specialist role
2) Being a peer, being genuine and drawing on personal experience
3) Providing empathy and validation
4) Drawing out participants’ preferences, perspectives and ideas (supporting participants’ point of view)
5) Supporting personal agency and empowerment
6) Supporting motivation and activity
View full list of PSS skills and related challenges in detail
SEEPS Theory of Change
The theory of change provides a framework for clarifying the role and skills of a PSS in their one-on-one work with clients, which is helpful in creating trainings, and ensuring that colleagues and supervisors are able to understand and support the PSS role.
Note: PSU = “peer support users”
SEEPS Training
We developed and virtually delivered comprehensive group trainings twice, to separate groups of Peer Support Specialists and supervisors located across the US. The “skills” component of the project was created based on a Theory of Change shaped by the participation of young adult Peer Support Specialists, supervisors, and peer support recipients.
Publications
- Relational complexity of the near-age Peer Support provider role in youth & young adult community mental health settings, The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, online first. Klodnick, V. V,… LaPelusa, B. & Holland, H. (2024).
- A theory of change for one-on-one peer support for older adolescents and young adults, Children and Youth Services Review, Volume 157, 107386. Walker, J., Klodnick, V.V., LaPelusa, B. et al. (2024).
