Last updated on Sep 13, 2024

Your client feels their boundaries are crossed in peer support. How can you navigate this delicate situation?

When you're engaged in peer support, it's vital to recognize that boundaries are at the core of a healthy support relationship. If your client feels their boundaries are being crossed, it's a clear signal that the dynamics of the interaction need careful examination and adjustment. Peer support is based on mutual respect and understanding, and when a client expresses discomfort, it's your cue to step back and reassess the situation. You have to ensure that the support provided is not only effective but also respects the personal limits of those involved.

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1 Acknowledge Concerns

Listening to your client's concerns about boundary crossing without judgment is the first step in addressing the issue. It's essential to validate their feelings and reassure them that their comfort is a priority. By acknowledging the issue, you create an environment of trust and openness. This is a chance to discuss what specific actions or behaviors felt intrusive, which can lead to a better understanding of the client's boundaries and how to maintain them in future interactions.

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Mohamed Hamadou

Dirigeant chez Management et Humanisme Conseil (MH Conseil). Mes opinions n'engagent que moi.
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Il me parait important d'objectiver le ressenti et de clarifier comment se matérialise selon le client le soutient et que désirerait il, pour quels objectifs? Comment définit il les limites? A quoi sont-elles dues?

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Rocio Alvarez G.

Arquitecta especialista en tasación inmobiliaria. Valuaciones confiables y precisas para decisiones seguras.
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Al momento de abordar una situación conflictiva es muy necesaria una actitud de neutralidad, de modo que ninguna de las partes involucradas se sienta menospreciada en su opinión, percepción o sentimiento respecto a la situación. Si hay una posibilidad de solución con un movimiento de retracción para restablecer los límites traspasados, sería bueno, hacerlo cuanto antes, si no, buscar estrategias de compensación a corto plazo, dejando en claro que la intención es el restablecimiento de la confianza y la comunicación con los afectados.

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2 Set Clear Boundaries

Once the concerns are out in the open, it's time to establish clear boundaries. This involves a frank discussion about what is acceptable within the peer support relationship. You'll need to guide your client in articulating their limits and ensure that these are communicated effectively. It's also important to set your own boundaries as a peer supporter, as this mutual understanding forms the foundation for a respectful and effective support relationship.

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Rocio Alvarez G.

Arquitecta especialista en tasación inmobiliaria. Valuaciones confiables y precisas para decisiones seguras.
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Partiendo de la base que para poder establecer límites externos, primero, es uno mismo quien debe de tenerlos claros. Conocer nuestros límites y alcances nos permite interacciones más genuinas, eficientes y cordiales con las personas que nos rodean, y en todo tipo de interacciones.

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3 Reinforce Respect

Respect is the cornerstone of any peer support relationship. It's crucial to reinforce the importance of respecting boundaries once they have been set. This means consistently upholding the agreed-upon limits and checking in regularly to make sure that both parties feel comfortable with the way the relationship is progressing. Reinforcing respect helps to prevent future boundary issues and promotes a safe space for ongoing support.

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4 Offer Alternatives

If boundary issues persist, it may be necessary to offer alternatives to the current peer support arrangement. This could involve suggesting different peer supporters or support groups that might be more aligned with your client's needs and boundaries. It's important to ensure that the client feels they have options and that their well-being is the main concern. Providing alternatives also demonstrates a commitment to their right to choose the most suitable support for themselves.

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Rocio Alvarez G.

Arquitecta especialista en tasación inmobiliaria. Valuaciones confiables y precisas para decisiones seguras.
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La persona segura de sí misma y confiada en lo que puede aportar, no teme hacer sugerencias y abrir las posibilidades de elección a sus clientes, ya que no busca convencerlos de que se queden a como dé lugar, sino que lo hagan realmente convencidos.

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5 Encourage Empowerment

Encouraging your client to take ownership of their boundaries is empowering. It helps them to feel in control of their support experience and can boost their confidence in managing interpersonal relationships. Teach them how to assert their boundaries in a respectful and clear manner. Empowerment in this context means giving your client the tools they need to protect their personal space and well-being while engaging in peer support.

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Rocio Alvarez G.

Arquitecta especialista en tasación inmobiliaria. Valuaciones confiables y precisas para decisiones seguras.
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El empoderamiento se logra con información clara y precisa, para que el cliente pueda tomar sus propias decisiones con alto grado de independencia y, a la vez, confiado en que el aporte del profesional es ético, responsable e imparcial.

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6 Maintain Dialogue

Maintaining an open dialogue about boundaries is key to a successful peer support relationship. Regular check-ins where both parties can express any concerns or adjustments to their boundaries will ensure that the relationship remains healthy and supportive. This ongoing conversation allows for growth and change within the relationship, adapting to the evolving needs of your client as they move through their journey of support.

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Muhammad Haizuruldin Gimin

Student/People Developer at National University of Singapore | Versatile | Adept | Strengths Transforming
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Two key qualities that often help in effectively supporting others are empathy and curiosity. As a peer supporter, your role is to provide support rather than offer advice or opinions. It can be challenging to stay neutral, but the satisfaction of seeing someone gain the skills to navigate their own challenges and empower themselves is worth it. While we often empathize, we tend to avoid being curious about the person's journey due to our own perceived boundaries. To address this, it's beneficial to prepare and practice asking open, reflective questions that can help facilitate the conversation.

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Rocio Alvarez G.

Arquitecta especialista en tasación inmobiliaria. Valuaciones confiables y precisas para decisiones seguras.
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Diálogo efectivo entre las partes se logra dejando a un lado las expectativas particulares, aplicando un lenguaje neutral, sin calificativos, ni juicios, con lo cual se fomenta la libertad y apertura, se promueven y potencian las capacidades y aportes de cada persona involucrada.

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Your client feels their boundaries are crossed in peer support. How can you navigate this delicate situation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Acknowledge Concerns

2 Set Clear Boundaries

3 Reinforce Respect

4 Offer Alternatives

5 Encourage Empowerment

6 Maintain Dialogue

Peer Support

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Your client feels their boundaries are crossed in peer support. How can you navigate this delicate situation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Acknowledge Concerns

2 Set Clear Boundaries

3 Reinforce Respect

4 Offer Alternatives

5 Encourage Empowerment

6 Maintain Dialogue

Peer Support

Rate this article

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