Working With Lived and Living Experiences of Mental Health and Substance Use: Insights From Identity and Role Theories

The value of utilising lived and living experiences (LLE) in supporting people with substance use or mental health issues has grown in recognition. However, less is known about how workers apply LLE in practice including how it is disclosed, reflected upon or otherwise operationalised within worker identities and roles. In this study, we thematically analysed interview data from alcohol, other drugs and mental health workers ( n  = 36) with the aim of explaining LLE mechanisms that shape beneficial service outcomes. Drawing on concepts of identity verification, identity dissonance, role congruity and role strain, we show that working from a place of mutual understanding fosters more relationally meaningful therapeutic encounters for workers, but limiting perceptions dissuade some from utilising or valuing LLE. Working with LLE creates greater potential for self‐actualisation and service transformation on the one hand and heightened scrutiny, tenuous legitimacy and systemic frustration on the other. Our analysis suggests that utilising LLE improves job satisfaction and perceived work effectiveness, especially in workplaces where adept peer role models and enabling workplace cultures are present.