Connection for Healing (Core Competencies: 1.3; 1.4; 1.9; 1.10; 2.6; 2.7; 2.8; 2.10; 3.5; 4.12; 4.16) Historical, developmental, and complex trauma have profound impacts on a person’s worldview, perspectives, and life experiences. The connecting process of peer support can be a source of healing for the negative impacts of trauma.
Potential Trauma Impacts on Worldview, Perspectives, and Life Experiences Mistrust, no one is safe, no place is safe. Expect danger and crisis.
Connecting Process of Peer Support
Connection is the basis of peer support. A certified peer specialist spends purposeful time in the connecting process. Careful listening, empathy, and reflection demonstrate understanding. This builds a sense of safety and trust. The connecting process builds the peer relationship through continually looking for strengths. A certified peer specialist finds strengths and offers specific, genuine affirmations. Affirmation gently challenges negative self-talk and invites new perspectives of self- understanding. Open questions are used to explore values, life goals, and dreams that can build hope for the future. A certified peer specialist sharing an aspect of their recovery story can inspire hope as well. A certified peer specialist’s acceptance and support of the peer’s choice of pathway to recovery is empowering. Relevant recovery resources are provided only with permission. This contributes to empowerment. Ongoing peer support builds momentum for positive change. Small steps and accomplishments are affirmed and celebrated. Small steps lead to more steps and accomplishments.
Negative self-talk, negative self- worth, experience of fear, pessimism about the future.
Experience of hopelessness, powerlessness, lack of confidence, and difficulties initiating change.
97
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online