How do you balance peer support and trauma recovery?

In my experience, boundaries and expectations need to be set from the first meeting. It’s much easier to do this, than try to course correct 3 months down the road. Folx with complex needs, such as trauma survivors, those with a history of institutionalization, etc. can benefit from having strong structure and support in a boundaries inclusive relationship.

In the corporate world, it's vital to focus on professionalism above friendships, fulfilling the roles and responsibilities one is hired for. Using emotionally charged language like "buddy" or "dear friend" can blur these professional boundaries, leading to misunderstandings and false expectations. Having a well-defined exit strategy offers a graceful transition for when roles or projects come to an end, reinforcing the need for clarity and planning. Additionally, concentrating on individual roles during the planning phase of any initiative minimises confusion and maximises efficiency, making sure everyone is aligned with work objectives

Self-care is so much more than just breathing and grounding. You need to fill your cup daily with activities, rituals, and things that bring you joy. Find out what those things are for you and practice them everyday. This work is extremely hard and important in dealing with people’s lives. If you are not attuned to your own needs, you could suffer burnout or worse. Finding meaning and purpose in your life and work is so important. However, when your day is over, it’s important to switch gears (literally) and do those things that are fulfilling to you so that you can leave the stresses of the day behind. You cannot give what you haven’t got. Look at your life holistically and see what areas you need more support in. Then work to improve.

Managing exposure in peer support hinges on quality interactions, a disciplined plan, and clear personal boundaries. In a professional context, it's important to offer help without expecting anything in return, keeping in mind that everyone is on a shared mission. This balanced approach fosters effective support while safeguarding well-being and workplace productivity

Building resilience in the context of peer support extends beyond emotional fortitude to include a strategic focus on larger goals and core values. By aligning with a shared purpose, both the supporter and the supported can experience a deeper sense of fulfilment and cohesion. This framework incorporates elements like celebrating collective milestones and learning from each interaction, thereby creating a virtuous cycle of mutual growth and emotional well-being. By being driven by purpose and valuing collective progress, peer support transforms into a resilient and enriching experience for everyone involved

It’s totally within your scope as a peer support provider to ask for what you need and to be honest about where you’re at. I’m fact, it can help build strong relationships, connections, and trust between you and your participants. Never be afraid or uncomfortable to express how something someone is doing makes you feel. It’s alright to say, “Just to let you know, when you talk about your parents…I feel a bit activated too because of my own broken relationship. Just so you know, I might get quiet because I’m just trying to process what you’re telling me.”

When it comes to "Seeking Your Own Support," understanding your purpose and goals, acknowledging your own capabilities, and applying strategic planning are essential. Knowing your purpose serves as a guiding compass, helping to set clear boundaries and avoid emotional exhaustion. Being aware of your own capabilities ensures that you neither overextend yourself nor fall short in offering meaningful support. Strategic planning adds a layer of forethought, allowing you to anticipate needs and prepare for varying scenarios. By combining these elements, the practice of seeking support becomes not just emotionally intelligent but also strategically effective, fortifying both individual well-being and the resilience of the broader support network

Incorporating critical and strategic thinking is key to continually improve peer support. Critical thinking helps in ongoing assessment and refinement, while strategic thinking enables proactive planning for future needs. Coupled with regular feedback, this approach ensures that peer support remains both impactful and relevant