You're a Peer Support professional. How can you build trust with your clients?

3 Be reliable

A third way to build trust is to be reliable. Reliability means being dependable, accountable, and respectful of your client's time and needs. You can show reliability by following through on your commitments, being punctual and prepared for your meetings, communicating clearly and promptly, and respecting your client's preferences and goals. You can also be transparent about your role, responsibilities, and limitations, and refer your client to other resources when needed. Reliability helps your client feel safe, supported, and respected.

4 Be respectful

A fourth way to build trust is to be respectful. Respect means honoring your client's dignity, autonomy, and diversity. You can show respect by using your client's preferred name and pronouns, asking for consent and feedback, acknowledging your client's strengths and values, and avoiding stereotypes and labels. You can also respect your client's culture, beliefs, and identity, and be open to learning from them. Respect helps your client feel valued, empowered, and appreciated.

5 Be collaborative

A fifth way to build trust is to be collaborative. Collaboration means working with your client as a partner, not as an expert or a helper. You can show collaboration by inviting your client to set the agenda, pace, and direction of your meetings, asking open-ended questions, exploring options and solutions together, and supporting your client's choices and actions. You can also encourage your client to use their own voice, skills, and resources, and to connect with other sources of support. Collaboration helps your client feel engaged, motivated, and confident.

6 Be flexible

A sixth way to build trust is to be flexible. Flexibility means being able to adapt to your client's changing needs, preferences, and circumstances. You can show flexibility by being responsive to your client's feedback, adjusting your approach and style, and being creative and resourceful. You can also be flexible by respecting your client's right to change their mind, to disagree with you, or to end the relationship. Flexibility helps your client feel comfortable, respected, and in control.

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?