Those of us who have had the experience of mental illness, substance abuse and various social problems and are in the process of recovery can use these experiences as assets in helping others to recover and to help improve our mental health systems and social service agencies. We know what works best to help us get better. We can easily identify and empathize with clients who are still struggling as we have been there ourselves. For too long, clients have only been on the receiving end of things, and have been kept in a passive role. This leads to clients feeling they don't have much to offer. Now, through peer support and client run programs, peer advocate positions and other client roles, clients are able to take an active role in helping others. No matter how sick anyone is, lets allow them a chance to be in a helping position. Then we can begin to recognize the healing force in each of us.

We are all in the process of healing. Everyone has been wounded at some level and gone through some suffering. As we heal, we move beyond our wounded selves and become able to act from a place of strength. We begin to discover our gifts and find that they can be intimately connected with our deepest wounds. In one sense, our strength arises from the part of ourselves that has been wounded and feels broken. In another sense, we find our strength from inner resources we had forgotten about. We also begin to discover new sources of energy within.

As helpers and advocates, the more we can identify with those we help by admitting and experiencing our own vulnerability and wounds, the more we will be able to be present for, to empower, and to assist clients in recognizing the strength and healing forces within themselves. The more those in the helping role are able to find similarities between themselves and clients, the more they will connect with and offer a healing space for clients. As clients begin to manage opportunities in helping others and with responsible roles, we will discover our gifts and strengths.