Education and Training Through Meaningful Connection
“Our mission is to help individuals discover their potential and guide them toward it. This shared purpose fosters a deep connection among us, leveraging our diverse experiences to inform and assist each other in meeting people where they are.”
— Patrick, Training Operations Manager
At The Institute, we train individuals to become Certified Peer Specialists (CPS) and provide continuing education for those who are already CPS. Training new CPS candidates is a profoundly rewarding experience. In each class, we welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and varied mental health experiences. Despite any differences, we share a common goal: using our own recovery experiences and struggles to support others on their path. Our mission is to help individuals discover their potential and guide them toward it. This shared purpose fosters a deep connection among us, leveraging our diverse experiences to inform and assist each other in meeting people where they are. Being in this space is impactful as it allows us to understand the human experience better and position ourselves as peers in the room.
Every day, I witness remarkable vulnerability from both staff and participants. We practice what we preach by openly sharing our personal stories and experiences. This not only helps us shed any blame or shame that may have burdened us but also destigmatizes these issues for others. True destigmatization occurs when we share our stories, highlighting our struggles, coping mechanisms, and how we continue to educate and empower others to do the same. It's profoundly significant.
This level of openness and understanding has transcended into other aspects of my life. Understanding recovery as a journey rather than a destination has boosted my confidence in discussing mental health with lifelong friends, encouraging them to open up as well. These conversations enrich our relationships and, to me at least, provide context to the human experience. It's liberating.
My personal highlight is witnessing the pride on individuals' faces as they receive their training certificates. Knowing their journeys, the strategies they've shared, and witnessing their expression of pride and accomplishment is a beautiful and powerful experience. Creating a supportive and vulnerable learning environment, facilitating those 'aha moments,' and watching individuals progress on their unique journeys is a tremendous privilege.
These conversations enrich our relationships and, to me at least, provide context to the human experience. It's liberating.