Healing Through Helping: How Peer Mentoring Rewrites Stories of Trauma
Douglas, L. J., Jackson, D., Woods, C., & Usher, K. (2019). Rewriting stories of trauma through peer-to-peer mentoring for and by at-risk young people. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 28(3), 744–756. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12579
Introduction
Douglas and colleagues (2019) explored how previously at-risk young people who have experienced trauma are motivated to mentor peers facing similar challenges. Recognizing that adolescents often avoid formal mental health services, the study examined how peer-to-peer mentoring fosters engagement and emotional healing among those historically reluctant to seek professional help.
Methods
Using a qualitative narrative inquiry design, Douglas and colleagues (2019) conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 peer mentors, aged 18–23, who had previously been mentees in an Australian formal peer mentoring program. Each had lived experience with adversity such as abuse, family breakdown, or substance misuse. Interviews focused on participants’ motivations and experiences mentoring peers. Data were analyzed using restorying methods, emphasizing personal meaning and shared themes.
Results
Three interconnected themes emerged: developing narratives of optimism, recognizing the value of sharing personal stories, and reconstructing trauma into growth. Mentors described using their lived experiences to inspire and guide others, turning their trauma into a foundation for empowerment. This motivation centered on the main theme of “Rewriting the journey of trauma through story”. Mentors were driven by a desire to use their past experiences to help like-others, resulting in the successful construction of a more positive self-identity and shifting their personal narrative from one of deficit to one of strength and growth.
Discussion
The mentoring role provided an empowering opportunity for the former mentees to manage their own trauma by reframing and sharing their healing journey. This peer-based approach resonated strongly with mentees because the shared experience allowed for deeper connection and provided practical, relatable strategies for change, which many participants found lacking in traditional adult counseling
Implications for Mentoring Programs
These findings endorse the power of structured peer-to-peer mentoring as a highly acceptable and effective alternative to traditional mental health intervention for at-risk youth. Integrating this model can help mental health clinicians foster prosocial behaviors in young clients. Crucially, the process creates a reciprocal healing relationship that sustains the mentor’s own recovery and positive self-identity, ensuring the program’s long-term success.
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