What does the concept of empowerment in peer support focus on?

The concept of empowerment in peer support prioritizes fostering independence and encouraging client-led decisions. This means that peer specialists focus on enhancing an individual's sense of agency, helping them to recognize their own strengths and abilities in managing their recovery journey. Empowerment involves facilitating an environment where clients feel confident to make their own choices and take charge of their lives, rather than being dependent on the peer specialist or anyone else for solutions.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the principles of empowerment. Providing solutions without client input diminishes the client's role in their own recovery process, which is contrary to empowering individuals to lead their own decisions. Reinforcing reliance on peer specialists contradicts the core goal of helping clients become self-sufficient and independent. Redefining the recovery timeline suggests altering established frameworks to fit external expectations, rather than supporting clients in defining their personal recovery journeys. Thus, the focus on independence and client-led decision-making encapsulates the true essence of empowerment in peer support.