Pitfalls and possibilities of planning The planning process presents pitfalls and possibilities to certified peer specialists. Pitfalls Possibilities Getting ahead of the peer’s
It is okay to stay in the exploration process indefinitely as a source of useful support. Contemplation is a valid stage of change. There are signals of readiness that can indicate a peer is ready for planning. For example, expressing resolve about a change, asking questions about change, envisioning a new future, or stating a desire to plan. It is useful to check the peer’s readiness by “testing the water” for planning. Conveying acceptance and honoring of a peer’s self-determination to set their own course is a powerful form of peer support. Being able to let go of a peer’s outcome is to set a heathy boundary. Boundaries increase capacity of empathy and compassion if/when a peer does not achieve a desired outcome. To engage a peer in planning is an opportunity to (later) practice self-care and community care. Person-centered planning requires exploration of many options with careful listening to understand the peer’s desires, goals, and needs. There are many ways to plan. One way is to create a formal, written document. Another way is to have a one-time informal discussion. Another way is to have an ongoing discussion about a plan. The greatest solutions and resources lie within each peer. There is a wealth of lived experience, expertise, strengths, prior successes, values, motivations, and inner resources to identify, explore, and cultivate during the planning process. The certified peer specialist can offer an idea or solution, but please remember to use the Ask-Share-Ask procedure.
readiness and jumping to a solution, plan, or action step before the peer is ready. Staying in exploration when the peer is ready to plan.
Judging a peer’s goal to be unrealistic or certain to fail.
Being personally or professionally invested in a particular plan outcome and viewing the outcome as a reflection of one’s peer support competency. Not recognizing multiple pathways to recovery. For example, emphasizing an abstinence approach to a substance use challenge rather than exploring harm reduction options in addition to abstinence. Seeing a plan as a formal, written document that must be revisited.
Viewing planning as a technical problem-solving activity to search for and find solutions and resources.
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