How would you navigate a situation where a client's support system is not aligned with their goals?

Please see my answers in part 3 and 4. Also, a person's goals change sometimes quickly with perspective shifts, health, med changes, and self esteem. Don't just assume goals stated earlier are still relevant. If they have toxic support systems that negates health, self esteem, and quality of life...explain what you see as a stranger looking through a window...and express true concern. Rapport is so needed to do that...and said in a transparent, thoughtful way to get your client thinking why he/she made that choice and how obviously wrong it is seen to be by others... Focus on verbage that they are important and in the end it's still their decision.

First, assess the situation. Listen. Where are they at? What are their goals? Choose on goal to work on. What small steps could be taken to achieve their goal?

Make sure when you "suggest" a boundary you identify that it's for their physical or mental health safety first. Have the client suggest some boundaries...they might suprise you on how restricting they could be on themselves. When a client realizes they are problem solving this with you, there might be new issues revealed and addressed. Respect goes a long way for solutions...

So before you dive into referrals of support groups, etc., find out who the client perceives as a role model, authority figure, and/or who would the client feel safe saying their story, their truth. It might suprise you. I'm not too happy about this possible AI answers because we can be trained with possible avenues for help and forget the big picture of what person or place resonates to them. Ask what your clients perceived purpose in life is and start that would be ground zero for safe zones and people your client looks upto or trusts. Then see if there is a social group with wellness practices in that area...like art or music, sports, religion, book club, darts, etc. You might be surprised yourself what gems of help are out there.

It's important to remember that we all have various cups that need filling. Acknowledging that one person or group can rarely tick all the boxes of what we need, can help us embrace the correct groups for the relevant support (and go easier on those who aren't naturally going to fill certain buckets). For example, my friends provide me with different support to my family, which again is different to my work friends, which again is different to my coaching circle, which again is different to my husband. Humans are made up of many different needs - and different people will fulfil those different needs.

Most of the time (in my experience) the individual is aware of the disconnect between their current supports and their goals/desired supports. The steps given are great for people that can change their relationship with their existing support network. Many of the individuals served in community mental health populations don't have supports (even "bad" ones). As peers/clinicians WE are their support. Once we understand that, the focus shifts to trying to help them meet their basic needs - food, water, stable shelter, safety. Its only after those needs are met that the focus can shift to outside support and a reduction of reliance on treatment staff. Unfortunately, many never make it that far but we don't give up!