How do you empower your peer support clients?

1 Be authentic and empathetic

One of the key elements of peer support is authenticity. You are not a professional therapist or a case manager, but a person who has lived through similar struggles and can offer hope and understanding. Be honest and open about your own story, but also respect the boundaries and preferences of your peers. Don't assume you know what they need or want, but listen actively and empathetically. Validate their feelings and experiences, and avoid judging or criticizing them.

2 Encourage self-determination and choice

Another important aspect of peer support is self-determination. You are not there to tell your peers what to do or how to live their lives, but to support them in making their own decisions and finding their own solutions. Don't impose your views or opinions, but offer options and resources that they can explore. Don't pressure them to follow a certain path or plan, but respect their pace and readiness. Don't take over their responsibilities, but help them identify their strengths and goals.

3 Promote learning and growth

A third essential component of peer support is learning. You are not there to teach your peers or fix their problems, but to facilitate their own learning and growth. Don't give advice or instructions, but share your insights and strategies that worked for you. Don't focus on the negatives or the challenges, but celebrate the successes and the progress. Don't limit your conversations to the past or the present, but inspire your peers to envision their future and their potential.

4 Collaborate and connect

A fourth vital factor of peer support is collaboration. You are not there to work for your peers or depend on them, but to work with them and alongside them. Don't act as an expert or a leader, but as a partner and a friend. Don't isolate yourself or your peers, but connect them with other sources of support and community. Don't ignore your own needs or boundaries, but practice self-care and seek supervision.

5 Adapt and innovate

A fifth and final dimension of peer support is adaptation. You are not there to follow a rigid or standardized model, but to tailor your approach and methods to the needs and preferences of your peers. Don't stick to the same routines or formats, but experiment with different modes and tools of communication. Don't limit yourself to one context or setting, but explore the possibilities of peer support in different domains and environments. Don't resist change or feedback, but embrace learning and improvement.

6 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?