What do you do if your Peer Support clients are struggling with emotional intelligence?

1 Define emotional intelligence

The first step is to explain what emotional intelligence is and why it matters. You can use simple examples and scenarios to illustrate how it affects different aspects of life, such as work, family, health, and hobbies. You can also ask your clients to share their own experiences and feelings about emotional intelligence. This can help them recognize their strengths and areas for improvement, as well as build rapport and trust with you.

2 Assess your clients' needs

The next step is to assess your clients' needs and goals regarding emotional intelligence. You can use various tools and methods, such as surveys, quizzes, feedback, or self-reflection, to measure their current level and identify their gaps. You can also ask them what they want to achieve and how they want to improve their emotional intelligence. This can help you tailor your peer support sessions and activities to their specific needs and preferences.

3 Teach emotional skills

The third step is to teach your clients some emotional skills that can help them enhance their emotional intelligence. These skills include self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social awareness, and relationship management. You can use various strategies and techniques, such as role-playing, storytelling, mindfulness, journaling, or coaching, to help your clients learn and practice these skills. You can also provide them with resources and tips that they can use on their own.

4 Model emotional intelligence

The fourth step is to model emotional intelligence yourself as a peer support worker. You can show your clients how you use emotional skills in your own life and interactions. You can also share your challenges and successes with emotional intelligence and how you cope with them. This can help your clients see you as a role model and a source of inspiration and motivation. It can also help you establish credibility and authenticity as a peer support worker.

5 Encourage emotional expression

The fifth step is to encourage your clients to express their emotions in a healthy and constructive way. You can create a safe and supportive space where your clients can share their feelings and thoughts without judgment or criticism. You can also listen actively and empathetically to your clients and validate their emotions. This can help your clients feel heard and understood, as well as reduce their stress and increase their confidence.

6 Celebrate emotional growth

The sixth step is to celebrate your clients' emotional growth and achievements. You can acknowledge and appreciate their efforts and progress with emotional intelligence. You can also provide them with positive and constructive feedback and suggestions for further improvement. This can help your clients feel proud and satisfied with their results, as well as reinforce their learning and motivation.

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?