How do you decide what to share with peers in a support group?

1 What is self-disclosure?

Self-disclosure is the act of revealing personal information about yourself to others. It can include your thoughts, feelings, opinions, values, goals, challenges, achievements, and more. Self-disclosure can help you build trust, rapport, and intimacy with others, as well as express yourself and gain feedback. However, self-disclosure also involves risks, such as rejection, judgment, misunderstanding, or breach of confidentiality.

2 Why is self-disclosure important in peer support?

Self-disclosure is a key component of peer support, as it allows you to connect with others who have similar experiences and perspectives. By sharing your stories and emotions, you can validate and support each other, as well as learn from each other's coping strategies and resources. Self-disclosure can also help you reduce stigma, isolation, and shame, as well as increase your self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-acceptance.

3 How much should you share in peer support?

When it comes to how much you should share in peer support, there is no definite answer as it depends on various factors, such as your comfort level, goals, relationship with the group, and the culture and guidelines of the group. However, some general principles to consider include being relevant and helpful to the group topic and purpose, honest and authentic to your experience, respectful and sensitive to yourself and others, and appropriate and comfortable for you. When sharing information, be sure to avoid going off on tangents, exaggerating or minimizing feelings or situations, disclosing details that might trigger or harm yourself or others, or violating someone else's privacy or consent. Additionally, be mindful of any information that might make you feel unsafe, exposed, or regretful later.

4 How can you prepare for self-disclosure in peer support?

Before you decide to share something with your peers in a support group, it might help to do some preparation. Reflect on your reasons for sharing and consider the potential benefits and risks. You can also seek feedback and guidance from others, such as a trusted friend, a facilitator, or a therapist. Practicing your disclosure in advance can be useful too; write down or rehearse what you want to say and how you want to say it. Anticipating possible reactions or questions from the group and how you might respond can also help.

5 How can you cope with the aftermath of self-disclosure in peer support?

After you share something with your peers in a support group, you may experience a range of emotions, such as relief, joy, pride, anxiety, guilt, or shame. You may also receive different types of feedback, such as praise, empathy, criticism, or silence. To cope with the aftermath of self-disclosure, you can acknowledge and validate your feelings in a healthy way like journaling or meditating. Additionally, you can seek support and affirmation from a friend, facilitator, or therapist. You can also remind yourself of your strengths and achievements and celebrate your courage and growth. Lastly, take time to reflect on how your sharing went and what you learned from it. Decide if you want to share more or less in the future and what you need to do to make it easier or safer for you.

6 How can you support others who share in peer support?

As a peer in a support group, you have a responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment for self-disclosure. This includes actively and attentively listening, expressing understanding and compassion, respecting boundaries, and giving constructive and honest feedback. Show interest and curiosity by making eye contact, nodding, and asking open-ended questions. Use supportive statements such as "I hear you", "I'm sorry you went through that", or "Thank you for sharing". Do not pressure or judge others for what they choose to share or not share. Additionally, do not share or discuss others' information without their permission or outside the group setting. If appropriate and requested, offer your own insights, opinions, or suggestions in a respectful and helpful way. Acknowledge your own limitations and biases, and refer others to other sources of support if needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?