What is Peer Support & Mentorship
Peer support has been around since the beginning of time. In earlier cultures, individuals looked to those with lived experiences and wisdom to counsel, give resources, support, listen and guide.
In the world of sexual assault, molestation, and rape, peer support has become a valuable tool in healing. Peer supporters & mentors aka "wounded healers", are able to sit with clients meeting them where they are at, and sharing firsthand knowledge of abuse, healing, mental health struggles, and resources. Peer support goes beyond clinical practices. In many cases, peer support allows a deeper sense of understanding and healing and for many allows them to gain insights, support, and resources that they may otherwise not receive.
As someone seeking Individual peer support with an EmpowerSurvivors mentor, you will meet as peers, two individuals with common experiences. Your EmpowerSurvivors peer mentor will meet you at your location of choice or over Zoom. Typically the peer support will be ongoing as needed. Healing from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse often times is life long and it is important your peer mentor is available to you, the right fit for you and your situation. Your individual peer mentor will come alongside you on your healing journey to listen, provide resources, lived experiences, promote your own inner wisdom, and walk the journey of healing with you.
Individual peer support is not a replacement for professional help. In order to create your best “healing team,” we suggest that individuals seek out professional trauma therapists specializing in childhood trauma, a holistic health provider, and other professionals that can work on all aspects of their healing and mental health goals.
In the world of sexual assault, molestation, and rape, peer support has become a valuable tool in healing. Peer supporters & mentors aka "wounded healers", are able to sit with clients meeting them where they are at, and sharing firsthand knowledge of abuse, healing, mental health struggles, and resources. Peer support goes beyond clinical practices. In many cases, peer support allows a deeper sense of understanding and healing and for many allows them to gain insights, support, and resources that they may otherwise not receive.
As someone seeking Individual peer support with an EmpowerSurvivors mentor, you will meet as peers, two individuals with common experiences. Your EmpowerSurvivors peer mentor will meet you at your location of choice or over Zoom. Typically the peer support will be ongoing as needed. Healing from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse often times is life long and it is important your peer mentor is available to you, the right fit for you and your situation. Your individual peer mentor will come alongside you on your healing journey to listen, provide resources, lived experiences, promote your own inner wisdom, and walk the journey of healing with you.
Individual peer support is not a replacement for professional help. In order to create your best “healing team,” we suggest that individuals seek out professional trauma therapists specializing in childhood trauma, a holistic health provider, and other professionals that can work on all aspects of their healing and mental health goals.
What Will Your First Meeting Look Like?
Meeting with your individual peer mentor for the first time may seem scary. You may find yourself feeling anxious. This is totally normal and your individual peer supporter will do their best to put you at ease. Together you will discuss what peer support is and what it is not, what brought you to the EmpowerSurvivors organization, what you are hoping for, and discuss any questions you may have. From there you will create a plan for future meetings, fee agreement, and be on your way to living your potential! You will steer where the meetings go and your peer mentor will be walking alongside you to help you navigate the healing process. Please call EmpowerSurvivors today to learn more, and set up your appointment with your individual peer mentor.
Meet Our Peer Supporters & Mentors
Elizabeth Sullivan, Survivor, CPSS
Elizabeth believes every survivor matters and deserves love and support .
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and trauma, Elizabeth, believes breaking our silences sets us free from the bonds and shame of sexual abuse.
Elizabeth is honored to be a part of the healing process for individuals looking to better understand themselves, the healing process, and going from victim, to survivor, to thriver.
651-323-4721
Elizabeth believes every survivor matters and deserves love and support .
As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and trauma, Elizabeth, believes breaking our silences sets us free from the bonds and shame of sexual abuse.
Elizabeth is honored to be a part of the healing process for individuals looking to better understand themselves, the healing process, and going from victim, to survivor, to thriver.
651-323-4721
Thomas Travers, Survivor & Mentor
As a fellow survivor, I understand the many impacts CSA has on our ability to develop self-identity, navigate our daily lives and remain present.
As a public speaker and lobbyist for the passage of the Child Victims Act in NYS, I have used the power of story to bring to light the many struggles we encounter throughout our lives as we to come to terms with the reality that our very essence has been comprised.
Throughout my 20-year healing journey, I have embraced mediation, movement and somatic awareness as a foundation for my personal practice. I find these simple tools bring balance to my daily life, have allowed me to fully accept my past and live in a more grounded and balanced way.
As a mentor, I draw from my experiences with psychotherapy, EMDR, facilitating support groups, trauma-informed bodywork, healing with family, confronting my abuse head on and ceremonial plant medicines. I hope to provide balanced insight into the healing process, be a strong mirror and share some simple tools that have helped me along the way.
Please reach out anytime for any reason….
twtravers@mac.com
716-292-3419