How can you respectfully end a peer support session?

Setting expectations is important in peer work, this protects you and the client and allows the space you do have with them to be constructive. I think it's valuable exploring your own limits within this and being aware of your own biases. That said, there's no need to be harsh to overly strict with these limits. You are still working with people, let your common sense guide you and if you don't know where to start, seek guidance in a practice supervisor.

Setting expectations is important to maintain boundaries. It could be easy for a peer support worker to be seen as a friend, but setting expectations in the 1st session, and reflecting on them periodically will help keep the relationship formal and safe.

Setting expectations and boundaries from the start is essential. Once set ensure you keep your boundaries in place to avoid any issues down the line.

Provided adequate time to allow the peer to take place. Confirmation of MD name that will complete the review and providers credentials.

In peer work we often talk about boundaries, but this isnt just to protect us but to also role model. My creating boundaries early in our relationship, such as time and duration of our session goes a long way and set positice expectations for all parties involved.

I like to be honest about how much time we have left together. This can be hard when the client is in a deep space, so this is where your soft skills come in handy. I like to say 'what stood out for your from today's session' as a nice segue to reflection and wrap up.

Saying things like let's use the last 5/10 minutes of our session to reflect on what we've spoken about and ask any questions you might have. This way the client knows the session is coming to an end and they can compose themselves before leaving. Plus, they're not left with unanswered questions.

Thank you so much for sharing and being open during our session. I appreciate your trust and willingness to seek support. I hope that our conversation has been helpful to you. If you ever need to talk again or have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Take care and be well

Definately summarise the session by going through the topics of the session and allow honest reflections. But to leave on a positive note, asking the client about what they are going to do for the rest of the week, talking about their interests and purposefully sharing what you will do that week and your interests builds connection, trust and mutuality in the peer relationship. It shows that we are human with lives outside this space.

I start to gently steer the conversation to a more reflective place, ask the person how they are feeling in comparison to the start of the session. I always say that if there is anything else, they can contact me and always make a further appt based on what the person would feel is appropriate

Summarize key points and achievements to reinforce progress made. Express appreciation for their openness and the chance to support them. Provide positive feedback on their strengths, insights, or efforts you noticed. Ask for their perspective on how the session went and your support style. Thank them for investing their time and trust in you. Exchange contact info to continue the relationship if desired. Schedule potential follow-ups balancing availability with healthy boundaries. Part with well wishes for their continued growth and healing ahead. Let them know you are available if additional support is needed down the road.

Always let the client guide your practice. It's what keeps them at the front of their wellness journey. It's really hard to be vulnerable with people, especially strangers! So show them your genuine gratitude for sharing and praise their bravery for showing up.

I agree that reflection and honesty are key points in peer communication. Feeling valued and supported will aid in future sessions.

As a mutual relationship, feedback goes both ways. It builds and role models healthy relationships that are not always perfect but each experience is learning curve for both of us.

I always like to ask, 'what have you got planned for after this?' as a way to spark some self-care discussion. It's also a good idea to ask yourself that too! Peer workers take on a lot of emotional toll, so it's mandatory for peer workers to have a self-care plan!

Signposting to other services is a good idea and can help both parties when it comes to difficult issues. I openly state where I lack knowledge in different areas and will happily signpost people to the right people and services.

Boundaries should be established early in a peer relationship and something we shouldn’t take for granted. This could be our working and contactable days or hours and sharing information about ourselves. It ensures safety for both the peer worker and client.

Being reliable and following through with actions shows the client that you care about them and genuinely want to walk alongside them in their recovery. Following through builds trust and rapport with the client, which is the foundation of healing.

Follow up is different for different individuals and that there is no one size fits all approach here. Some may book a time after the session, some may ask to be contacted by just SMS and some may contact us themselves when needed. Peer work should always be a voluntary service.

Follow through and follow up at the start of the next session. Showing you care whilst keeping your boundaries in place can be difficult but it is important. If you say you are going to do something you need to do it. Keeping your word helps build trust and makes it easier to encourage your client to keep their word.

You can respectfully end the peer support session by summarising the improvements the person has made so far as observed by you as a peer supporter. End the session by focusing on their strengths and pointing their strengths to them. This will encourage them to become self reliant for future.