What is the ultimate goal of empowerment in the peer counseling process?

The ultimate goal of empowerment in the peer counseling process is to foster personal growth and independence. This focus on growth allows individuals to recognize their strengths, build self-esteem, and develop the skills necessary to navigate their challenges effectively. Empowerment encourages clients to take an active role in their lives and decision-making, helping them to feel more confident in their abilities to manage their health and well-being.

While providing clients with control over treatment plans may sound empowering, the deeper essence of empowerment involves more than just decision-making authority; it encompasses a holistic development that promotes resilience and self-sufficiency. Emotional support is important in the counseling process, but it is a component rather than the primary aim. Moreover, ensuring compliance with medical authority does not align with the principles of empowerment, as it can undermine the personal agency and autonomy that the peer counseling process seeks to enhance.