How can you show respect for someone's autonomy?
Autonomy is the ability to make your own decisions and act on them, without being controlled by others. It is a core value of peer support, which is a type of mutual help that empowers people with lived experience of mental health challenges, substance use, trauma, or other issues to support each other. Respecting someone's autonomy means honoring their choices, preferences, and goals, even if they differ from your own. It also means avoiding coercion, manipulation, or judgment, and instead offering empathy, encouragement, and feedback. In this article, you will learn how to show respect for someone's autonomy in peer support, and why it is important for building trust and recovery.