Self-Disclosure (Core Competencies: 1.10; 2.7; 3.2; 3.3; 3.5; 3.6; 4.1; 4.2; 4.10; 4.16; 4.17) Self-disclosure is another important part of the peer support process. A certified peer specialist’s willingness to share about their own recovery is a hallmark of the unique peer-to-peer relationship. A certified peer specialist’s recovery story can be powerful because it offers truth, hope, and possibilities to a peer who may be struggling. Ethics of self-disclosure • Is my self-disclosure in the best interest of the peer as determined by the peer? Under some circumstances, self-disclosure could be harmful. To be ethical, self-disclosure must be in the best interest of the peer as determined by the peer. • Is there a clear reason why my self-disclosure would be helpful? Important questions to consider: Why do I believe that self-disclosure in this moment will benefit the peer? What it is about this part of my story that I believe will be helpful? How might self-disclosure support the peer relationship? Am I sharing to benefit the peer or to unburden myself? • Where does hope and connection appear in my recovery story? A recovery story focuses on opportunities, overcoming barriers, strengths, resilience, health, and wellness that can promote hope and connection with the possibilities of change. While each certified peer specialist gets to decide what part of their story to share, it is important to be mindful of sharing aspects of the recovery story. Skillful self-disclosure Skillful self-disclosure can be accomplished using the Ask-Share-Ask procedure: • Ask. What would the peer like to know about your recovery story? What about your recovery story might be particularly helpful, relevant, and relatable to the peer? Ask permission to share your story to ensure peer openness and interest. • Share. Disclose an aspect of your recovery story. Keep the details purposeful, focused, and brief. Remember, self-disclosure is a form of peer support. Sharing too much risks turning attention to your life. Keep the focus on the peer relationship. • Ask. Pose a follow-up question to explore what the peer found helpful, relevant, or relatable. This section was adapted from “Motivational Interview: Helping People Change, 3rd Edition,” a book by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, and “Making Effective Use of Your Recovery Story in Peer Support Relationships,” a presentation by Mark Parker and Michael Uraine.
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