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Welcome 💛

You are considering a journey that is at the very core of what makes ShareWell special. ****

Our hosts are the heartbeat of our community.

This guide is here to show you that you already have the most important qualification: your own lived experience.

Our Motto: "We rise by lifting others."

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✨ What is Peer Support? The Power of Connection

Peer support is the simple, powerful act of people connecting over shared challenges and using their own experiences to help each other heal. It’s the answer to feeling isolated. By participating, you give and receive validation, understanding, and strength.

✨ The Benefits Are Clear:

• You’re Not Alone: Recognizing you share a struggle with others creates hope and reduces isolation. Research shows this leads to larger support networks and better self-esteem.
• It’s Flexible: You opt-in at your own pace and comfort level.
• It’s Proven to Help: Studies show peer support improves resilience and self-efficacy. At ShareWell, 90% of our members report being happier after a peer support session.
• It Complements Other Treatment: Peer support can be a powerful addition to therapy or other professional care by strengthening your resolve and providing a community connection.

✨ The Role of a Host: Guiding, Not Directing

You don’t need to be an expert, a therapist, or have all the answers. A host is a peer who facilitates a conversation by sharing their own story and holding space for others to do the same. You are a guide, a fellow traveler, and a community ambassador.

By hosting on a topic you have lived experience with, you create a safe, non-judgmental space where people can be real, feel heard, and realize they are not alone. This is a powerful experience of helping others while healing yourself.

💡Key Reminder from Dr. Gadinsky: You are not required to be the expert. If you don’t know how to respond to something, turn the question to the group and ask what everyone else thinks.

Table of Contents

Part 1 : Your First Steps to Hosting

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Feeling inspired? The path to becoming a host is clear and supported. We'll provide you with all the training and tools you need to feel confident and prepared.

• ✨ Step 1:  Experience the Magic: Attend a Session & Get Inspired
• 🎓 Step 2: Get Trained and Certified (Highly Encouraged)
• 🏆 Step 3 : Showcase Your Accomplishment (Highly Encouraged)
• 🎤 Step 4: Create & Brand Your First Session
• 📣 Step 5: Share Your Session and Build Your Community </aside>

Part 2 : Guiding a Great Session

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Once your session is scheduled, your focus shifts to creating a memorable and impactful experience. Here are the core skills for effective facilitation.

• 📝 Designing Your Session
• 🗣️ Guiding the Conversation
• 💡 Engagement (Small vs. Large groups) </aside>