Wounded Healers: Peer Support Work of Sexual Minority Men in Substance Use Recovery in Singapore (2025)

Maha Y. See, Chuanfei Chin, Daniel Weng Siong Ho, and Rayner Kay Jin Tan.

Counselling & Psychotherapy Review Singapore Vol. 02, No. 01, pp. 1-5 (2025).

https://doi.org/10.1142/S2810968625500019

Abstract: Integrating peer support for substance use treatment has been associated with multiple benefits for individuals who are in recovery. There is a high need for trained peer supporters in Singapore’s policy environment, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals who require access to safe spaces for substance use recovery, of which there are insufficient trained professionals and minimal training in this intersection of substance use recovery for LGBTQ+ individuals. Peer support is thus essential to provide appropriate, safe, and evidence-based support. The article examines the indispensable nature of peer support in addiction recovery and the value of working with one’s traumatic experiences in the process of helping others. This is done through examining a continuing education (CE) programme, The Wounded Healer, developed and implemented for a peer support programme in a substance use recovery centre (The Greenhouse Community Services). A conceptual background on the wounded healer will be introduced, followed by a presentation of the three modules of the programme: (a) the gifts of wounded healers, (b) self-compassion for the wounded healer, and (c) safeguards for wounded healers. Discussions and reflections will cover peer support work as a healing process, the value of CE, and public health implications of peer support.