The Connecting Process (Core Competencies: 1.1; 1.3; 1.7; 1.8; 1.9; 1.10; 1.11; 2.5; 2.7; 2.8; 2.10; 3.3; 4.1; 4.9; 4.10) Connection promotes resilience and heals trauma. Connecting with peers is a fundamental process of peer support. Through this process, the peer relationship is initially established, and a good working relationship is maintained. Connecting is task number one in the initial meeting with a peer and in every meeting thereafter. With some peers, Connecting will happen very quickly upon meeting with some peers. With other peers, connecting will take weeks or months. There is no timeline for connecting. A good working relationship must be established as the foundation for future exploring, supporting, planning, and advocating.
Rapid and powerful connection is possible through skillful communication. Consider application of OARS skills: • Ask open questions that are person-centered, and strengths based. Seek to draw out the peer’s general life experiences and perspectives. Avoid fact-gathering questions (who, what, where, when) because these can limit connection. What are some examples of connecting open questions? • Look for and specifically affirm the peer’s strengths and positive attributes. Strengths are a foundation of recovery and resilience. What are some strengths that you are likely to see in people in the initial meeting?
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