The Importance of Peer Support Amongst Psychology Professionals
Authors: Shaazia Patel (Additional member; The Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists)
Editor: Zakiyah Hoosen (Vice chairperson; The Division of Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists)
Peer support has become an essential component in health and social care, particularly within the mental health sector (Kalina Mikolajczak-Degrauwe et al., 2023). It serves as a non-hierarchal support system in which individuals with similar experiences provide informative, empathetic, emotional and evaluative support to other professionals facing similar challenges (Kalina Mikolajczak-Degrauwe et al., 2023). This provides a space to construct a community based on the connections shared between mental health professionals navigating similar circumstances (Joo et al., 2022). In this article, we will explore the significance of peer support programmes for psychological professionals, their role in addressing mental health challenges in various contexts, and the implications for mental health care globally.
The Role of Peer Support programmes for Mental Health Professionals
As mental health professionals, establishing a sense of connection and comfort in challenging times can be difficult, particularly when managing intense emotions and life-changing circumstances (Distress Centre, 2024). Joining a peer support group can be valuable as it offers a safe environment to explore your thoughts and feelings openly without judgment (Distress Centre, 2024). Therefore, these peer support programmes tailored for psychological professionals can serve as invaluable contributors to the mental health field (Joo et al., 2022). These initiatives create a supportive network where mental health workers can share their experiences, challenges, and coping strategies associated with their roles (Joo et al., 2022). By connecting with peers who understand the unique pressures of the same profession, these programmes can alleviate feelings of isolation and stress that often accompany mental health work (Joo et al., 2022; Grouport, 2025). Moreover, this can promote a sense of belonging among professionals, by enhancing job satisfaction and resilience (Joo et al., 2022). However, these programmes are not without their challenges (Kalina Mikolajczak-Degrauwe et al., 2023). The success of peer support initiatives largely depends on ensuring a good fit between peers, as well as maintaining appropriate boundaries to safeguard the profession to which practitioners belong (Joo et al., 2022). However, there are several peer support programmes which have implemented strategies to navigate and address these hurdles, ultimately improving the quality of support provided within these spaces (Kalina Mikolajczak-Degrauwe et al., 2023).
Peer Support in Community Mental Health Services
Peer support plays an important role in low to middle-income countries’ (LMICs) mental health services, such as South Africa, where there is a significant treatment gap in the mental health sector (Sorsdahl et al., 2023). Peer support can create an understanding and empower those in need, enhancing the overall effectiveness of community-based mental health initiatives (Joo et al., 2022). Reflecting on one’s experiences to improve support strategies has emerged as a key facilitator in managing life stressors within peer support frameworks (Poremski et al., 2022). To further enhance these programmes, a support group entitled #SpacesforListening is put forth as a peer-support network for mental health professionals. The #SpacesforListening initiative was developed in 2020 by two psychologists based in the United Kingdom, Brigid Russell and Charlie Jones (Russell, 2024). The initiative offers a confidential structured process where mental health professionals are equally encouraged to share thoughts and feelings, and “to experience an equality of listening” (Russell & Jones, 2022). This approach could further enrich the peer support landscape within the South African context (Poremski et al., 2022). Peer support represents an effective form of assistance in the mental health sector, addressing both the emotional needs of individuals and the professional challenges faced by mental health professionals (Post Eye, 2024). The executive members of PsySSA’s Division for Registered Counsellors and Psychometrists will be participating in a #SpacesforListening and aim to implement this initiative for RCP members in the second half of 2025. As we continue to strengthen peer support frameworks, it is essential to navigate the associated challenges to enhance their effectiveness and impact on mental health care systems in the South African context.
