PEER Voices Podcast

Everyone has had a bad boss.  But what can you do about it?  How do you balance the needs of the employee vs. the agency?  And what are supervisors looking for in new hires? Join our hosts, Juliet C. Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, as they interview Susan Steed, a certified peer recovery supporter and program manager at The PEER Center.  Susan tells us about her personal history of mental illness and trauma.  Listen in as she explains how she entered the field, and what it has been like to move up

“It’s not about you.”  How often do you have to remind yourself of that?  When providing peer support, the focus is on those we serve, not on ourselves.  We try hard to never “give just to get.”  But helping others still has a positive impact on our own recovery journeys.   It can even lead to stunningly deep insights into larger issues. On today’s show, our hosts, Juliet C. Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, interview Renetta Scott, a long-time employee at TPC who is living in recovery with

The PEER Center is a drop-in support and recovery center in Columbus, Ohio.  But when anyone and everyone can “drop-in” there is bound to be conflict, right?  Not necessarily.  Join our hosts Juliet Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, as they welcome DeShawn Davis, our Director of Facilities and Security.      DeShawn explains the surprising keys to maintaining a safe and secure space – using de-escalation techniques and showing compassion.  Join us to learn why an aggressive approach to security can

The New Year is here, and we are all hard at work on our resolutions.  Do you want to lose weight?  Get more organized?  Quit smoking?  Did you make the same resolution last year?  What about the year before that?   Join our hosts, Juliet C. Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, as they discuss why making a New Year’s resolution can be damaging and how to work towards long-term goals and recovery year round.        Show Notes:  1:29 – “It’s almost always generated by some type of outside force….I do not

“We offer support to those living in recovery with mental illness, addiction, and/or trauma.”  You’ve heard that before, but what does it mean?  Join our hosts, Juliet C. Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, as they discuss what trauma is, what impact it can have, and how to practice “trauma informed care.”      Many in our community have experienced trauma, from stereotypically horrible things, like war or violence, to other, more nuanced, experiences.  Listen in as Juliet and Gabe discuss their own

Did you know that peer recovery supporters have a code of ethics?  Across Ohio, our staff is asked the same question again and again – “Can I date someone I am giving peer support to?”  Our hosts, Juliet C. Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, explain exactly why it is a bad idea (and unethical) to become personally involved with the people you serve.  There is a line between clients and providers.  In addition to being unethical, crossing boundaries with those you are supposed to be helping can put

Whom do you think of when you think of an addict?  Someone shooting up in an alley?  A drunk with a bottle in a paper bag?  In this episode of PEER Voices, we discuss how inaccurate these stereotypes are, and how their prevalence deters some from seeking recovery. Today our hosts, Juliet C. Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, interview Derrick Kirkland.  Derrick did not reach recovery until his 50’s, but using the 12-steps, he now has over 7 years of sobriety.  Join us as Derrick discusses the unique

There are plenty of podcasts about mental health and psychology, but one point of view is usually missing – that of a peer.  Peers are those of us who have a lived experience with mental illness, addiction, and trauma, and there is finally a podcast made by peers for peers. There are lots of clinicians and family members talking about what peers need to do (or what needs to be done to or for us).  However, those who actually live in recovery are rarely invited to join the conversation.  Our hosts,