PEER Voices Podcast

"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 an...

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...

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...

"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, li...

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....

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 5...

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)....