Mary Couch

State-Certified Adult Peer Support Specialist (APSS) with a strong foundation in Group Counseling theory and 3+ years of lived recovery experience. Proven leader in local support groups as well as online support groups, Co-Leader, skilled in facilitating safe peer environments and one-on-one mentorship. Committed to empowering individuals in Columbia, KY through evidence-based recovery tools and empathetic advocacy.

• Successfully completed 30 hours of KY State-Approved APSS training, scoring a 100% on the final competency exam.
• Co-led a support group that grew weekly in members through consistent outreach and creating a welcoming environment.
• Earned an A in Groups Process and Practice, Counseling Theory and Practice, and Intro to Human Services, demonstrating a strong grasp of theoretical frameworks and ethical boundaries.

• Peer Advocacy & Resilience: Successfully navigated personal recovery journey for 2 years, gaining deep experiential knowledge of the mental health and social service systems in Kentucky to assist others in overcoming barriers to care.
• 12-Step Mentorship (Celebrate Recovery): Actively participated in and utilized the Celebrate Recovery program to develop a strong foundation in accountability, emotional health, and community-based support.
• Goal Setting & Wellness: Applied structured recovery tools to maintain long-term wellness, demonstrating the ability to guide peers through the process of setting and achieving personal growth milestones.
• Rapport Building: Leveraged shared experiences to foster a safe, non-judgmental environment, practicing high-level empathy and active listening to support individuals in diverse stages of change.
• One-on-One Sponsorship & Mentorship: Served as a Sponsor for individuals navigating the 12-step process, providing consistent emotional support, personal accountability, and guidance in developing effective coping strategies for long-term wellness.
• Group Co-Leadership: Partnered with a lead facilitator to coordinate and co-lead weekly support groups for participants; ensured a safe, confidential environment while upholding the "5 Small Group Guidelines" to promote healthy sharing and recovery.
• Conflict Resolution & De-escalation: Utilized active listening and empathy to manage group dynamics and resolve interpersonal conflicts, ensuring all members felt heard and respected during sensitive discussions.
• Resource Advocacy: Guided peers in identifying and accessing local community resources, including housing, food assistance, and mental health services, based on personal experience navigating these systems in Kentucky.