Resilience is key in emotional crises, and as a peer supporter, you play a vital role in helping clients build it. Start by practicing active listening to validate their emotions, creating a safe space. Use empathy to acknowledge their struggles, showing they aren't alone. Normalize their feelings by reminding them others face similar challenges. Encourage self-awareness to help them recognize emotional triggers and patterns. Suggest positive coping strategies like journaling or mindfulness. Break down tasks into small, achievable goals. Finally, model resilience by sharing your own experiences, empowering clients to persevere through tough times.

PAUSE, BREATHE AND REASSESS... Challenges are always going to come to the forefront and it's important to prepare and have in place a mental First Aid plan in place ahead of time. One of the crucial first steps to take, is to PAUSE and think, (What drove me to this point, BREATHE (the more relaxed, the less panic you'll be to make the best decision for yourself) and lastly REASSESS (Look closely at the factors that drove you to get to those your challenges, implement positive reinforcements that worked for you in the past and wait patiently for those positive results.

Un consejo que podría darles sería considerar que nada es para siempre, toda crisis pasa, todo el caos pasa. La observación y la resiliencia son muy efectivos pero cómo lograrlo? Manteniendo un estado de tranquilidad, contener la preocupación, la presión, leyendo, meditando o simplemente respirando. En lo personal escuchando audiolibros de empresarios y casos de éxito, podcast o música de alta vibración me ayudan a mantener mi quietud y la certidumbre.

Create a safe space where your client feels comfortable expressing their emotions. Help them understand that sharing feelings with peers who’ve faced similar challenges can provide both emotional relief and practical insights.Equip your client with active listening techniques to help them fully engage in peer conversations. Listening attentively and without judgment allows them to offer support to others, building a mutual sense of trust and resilience.

It is important to learn what they want and their motivations for reaching out for support from you. They've trusted you so far, but they may not be willing to disclose what they are going through at the moment fully and may not know how to express their needs. Probe compassionately, sit in silence, focus on strengths and not limitations, and highlight hope. This will help build rapport between you and the client, and allow soft goal-setting to happen. The client should be at the center of the conversation and be fully involved in their wellness plan.

As an ND Peer/ Coach, I help my clients think outside the box. I find that my clients need immersion. I lead them into a discussion about their interests/ hobbies. Then I may suggest an activity ( horseback riding/playing guitar) which distracts them from their discomfort ( whatever the issue is) We may engage in it together if possible by listening to music, doing an art project, doodling, hugging our pets and etc. This method is similar to Body Doubling. We are being Mindful together in a more common/ casual way so they can develop additional/ better coping strategies.