Defining Peer Support Language

In this episode of Recovery Talks, Jim and Andi tackle the growing confusion around terminology in the peer support field. They dig into how words like "peer," "peer supporter," "peer support specialist," and "peer worker" are increasingly used interchangeably by providers and organizations which may blur or dilute their actual meaning. The conversation traces the evolution of language in the recovery movement, from older terms like "consumer," "client," and "patient" to today's push toward "peer" and "lived experience." Jim and Andi discuss: The legal/professional distinction in Montana between a "peer supporter" and a certified "peer support specialist" Why person-centered, recovery-oriented language (versus clinical language) helps build connection rather than hierarchy or separation How language shapes identity and self-perception for people in recovery, especially peer supporters who've experienced relapse The importance of self-care and resiliency planning within peer support training, and why relapsed peer supporters often don't return to the workforce How modeling recovery-oriented language can gradually shift culture A preview of MPN's new Peer Advocacy, Change and Empowerment workbook and companion online course