How can you encourage reflection in peer support interactions?

As I look back on my experience in peer support, one thing I can say is that reflection isn't just a skill; it's a way of living. It's a continuous effort to better understand, improve, and make a positive difference in other people's lives.

Self reflection to me is when you stop and take a moment to recognize, how you feel and identifying those feelings. This can be quick or a long process.

Being prepared to share my own stories, when appropriate, has often helped establish a deeper connection and trust. Also, every chat with someone seeking support is like opening a new book with unpredictable chapters. There could be some tough stuff to tackle, differing viewpoints, or maybe the other person isn't quite ready to open up. So, I've learned to expect the unexpected. If I sense a sensitive topic coming up, I ask myself how I can approach it with sensitivity and respect. When I know we might have different views, I consider how to create a safe space where we can talk openly, without anyone feeling judged.

The Power of Being Present --- I ensure that I am fully engaged, both mentally and emotionally. This presence is invaluable. It lets my peer know that I'm genuinely invested in their well-being and that I'm ready to support them wholeheartedly.

Acknowledgement on your end and the emotions of your peer is important, if not critical. You are modelling for that peer as much as it is trying to help yourself.

It's ok to follow up, never hurts to ask what is on someones mind after that event. So take the opportunity to build the relationship and approach that person (and yourself) with authenticity.

Encouraging reflection in your peers is a valuable way to promote professional perspectives. When their peers share their thoughts or experiences, you have to listen without interrupting and show their input are interest. You have always to provide constructive feedback because it can help peers increase their performance. You must always ensure that your peers feel safe and comfortable in sharing their thoughts and experiences without fear of criticism. Moreover, you have to teach them to ask probing questions to themselves about their experiences, actions, and decisions. I encourage group leaders to organize group discussions where everyone shares thoughts and learns from each other's experiences.

I don't know if you want to "encourage" or definitely not "force" your peer to reflect, I think all you can do is model and approach this non-judgementally. Always leave space for the other person, you don't know what is going on with them.

Sure, there are many benefits for us from reflection in peer support because the process is a self-awareness situation reflecting on your own experiences and emotions which can trigger you to identify patterns in your behavior and responses, which can help you work on improving certain aspects of your skills. You can use your reflections to set personal goals for self-improvement. Consider how you can become a better listener, communicator, and supporter. From peer reflection, you learn from challenges and setbacks and build resilience and emotional strength, which can benefit both you and your peers.

I'm not a fan of how the first sentence is written. Reflection is a skill, yes. We need to find intentional ways to take a pause and then build the time frame as a habit. Be kind to yourself. People will notice and they will try but it has to start with you.

You never know what the other person is going through. All you can do is respect the space and boundaries for yourself and make it a safe space for the other person to be able to stop and do the same. Accept yourself, model through your actions and hopefully the other person comes along authentically.