Peer support and counselling are different kinds of support
Peer support and counselling can both provide valuable support, but they are based on different relationships and approaches.
Counselling is generally provided by a trained counsellor or other professional who uses therapeutic skills and established approaches to help people explore emotional, psychological or personal concerns.
Peer support is built around lived experience. A peer support worker brings their own experience of navigating challenges, recovery or major life changes and uses that experience to connect with another person in a supportive, non-clinical way.
Neither approach needs to replace the other. For many people, they can complement each other.
What is peer support?
Peer support is based on connection, mutual understanding and shared humanity.
A peer support worker is not there to diagnose you or provide clinical treatment. Instead, they listen, share relevant lived experience when it may be helpful, and work alongside you as you explore what matters in your life.
The relationship is intended to feel more equal and collaborative. You remain the expert in your own life.
What is counselling?
Counselling involves talking with a trained professional about concerns, experiences, emotions or patterns that may be affecting your wellbeing.
A counsellor may use particular therapeutic approaches or techniques to help you understand what is happening, develop coping strategies or work towards change.
Counselling can be helpful for people wanting structured therapeutic support or help exploring emotional and psychological concerns in greater depth.
What is the main difference?
One of the biggest differences is the foundation of the relationship.
Counselling is based primarily on professional training and therapeutic practice.
Peer support is based primarily on lived experience, shared understanding and connection between people who may have faced related challenges.
A peer worker may say, where appropriate, “I have experienced something similar, and this is what helped me.” A counsellor will generally work from a therapeutic framework rather than from shared lived experience.
Is peer support therapy?
No. Peer support is not therapy and should not be presented as a replacement for psychological or medical treatment when those services are needed.
Peer support is non-clinical. It can provide connection, encouragement, practical ideas and understanding from someone who has personal experience of navigating difficult circumstances.
Can I use peer support and counselling together?
Yes. Some people choose one or the other, while others use both.
For example, counselling might provide a space to work through particular psychological or emotional concerns, while peer support can offer ongoing connection with someone who understands aspects of the journey from lived experience.
What works best depends on the individual and the type of support they are looking for.
Which type of support is right for me?
You might consider peer support if you are looking for someone who understands from lived experience, want a non-clinical conversation, or would value practical support from someone who has navigated similar challenges.
You might consider counselling if you want structured therapeutic support, are working through complex emotional concerns, or want assistance from a professionally trained counsellor.
There is no requirement to choose only one.
Finding support that works for you
The most important thing is finding support that feels appropriate for your situation.
At the Peer Support Hub, you can browse workers based on their lived experience, areas of support and background, and choose someone you feel may be a good fit.
Ready to connect with someone with lived experience?
Browse our peer support workers and find someone whose experience and approach feel relevant to you.