How can you set boundaries as a peer support leader?

1 What are boundaries?

Boundaries are the limits or rules that you establish for yourself and others in a relationship or situation. They help you define what you are comfortable with, what you expect, and what you can offer. Boundaries can be physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual, depending on the context and the type of peer support you provide. For example, physical boundaries may include how often you meet, where you meet, and how you communicate. Emotional boundaries may include how much personal information you share, how you express your feelings, and how you cope with stress. Mental boundaries may include how you respect your own and others' opinions, beliefs, and values. Spiritual boundaries may include how you honor your own and others' faith, practices, and rituals.

2 Why are boundaries important?

Boundaries are important for several reasons. First, they help you maintain your own identity, integrity, and self-care. By setting boundaries, you acknowledge your own needs, preferences, and limits, and you avoid compromising them for the sake of pleasing others or avoiding conflict. You also protect yourself from taking on too much responsibility, feeling guilty, or being manipulated by others. Second, they help you build trust, respect, and rapport with your peers. By setting boundaries, you communicate clearly and honestly what you can and cannot do, and what you expect and accept from others. You also show that you value yourself and others as individuals, and that you respect each other's differences and choices. Third, they help you enhance your peer support skills and effectiveness. By setting boundaries, you create a safe and supportive environment where you and your peers can share, learn, and grow together. You also avoid role confusion, role conflict, or role overload, and you focus on your peer support goals and objectives.

3 How to set boundaries?

Setting boundaries as a peer support leader can be difficult, but it is essential. To help you do so effectively and respectfully, be clear about your role and scope. Understand and communicate that you are a peer with lived experience who can provide support, guidance, and encouragement, but not fix, save, or judge. Also be aware of your own needs and limits, such as your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Be assertive and respectful when setting boundaries by using “I” statements to express your feelings and “you” statements to acknowledge theirs. Additionally, be transparent and proactive when communicating your boundaries to peers; explain the reasons behind them and anticipate potential issues or conflicts. Finally, be firm and consistent with your boundaries while being respectful and compassionate with others.

4 How to deal with boundary challenges?

As a peer support leader, setting and maintaining boundaries can be challenging. Remember that setting boundaries is an act of self-respect, and not selfishness. It’s important to understand the perspective of your peers, and empathize with their feelings. If you struggle to set or maintain your boundaries, consider seeking help from other peer support leaders, mentors, or supervisors who can assist you. Setting boundaries is a skill that requires awareness, intention, and action, as well as patience, compassion, and courage. By setting boundaries, you are not only supporting yourself but also your peers; it is an act of leading by example and empowerment.

5 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?