Aims
Competences covered in this unit:
Ability to work with the person being supported to:
- discuss their coping strategies and identify the external resources available to them
- identify (and reinforce the value of) existing coping strategies that the person feels work well
- identify when (and discuss why) coping strategies they use do not work well
- identify different coping strategies that may be more effective
- consider how to implement skills and strategies that may be more effective ways of coping with difficult situations
- identify any potential barriers to implementing new coping strategies
Ability to support people to develop the skills to reflect on and review their coping strategies over time.
Ability to explain the rationale for problem solving.
Ability to help the person select problems, on the basis that these are relevant for them and are ones for which achievable goals can be set.
Ability to help the person specify the problem(s), and break down larger problems into smaller (more manageable) parts.
Ability to identify achievable goals with the person, bearing in mind their resources and likely obstacles.
An ability to help the person:
- generate (‘brainstorm’) possible solutions
- select a preferred solution
- plan and implement preferred solutions
- evaluate the outcome of implementation, whether positive or negative
- test beliefs or assumptions that might get in the way of problem solving
Ability for the peer support worker to maintain a focus on encouraging the person to arrive at their own solutions.
Underpinning understanding and knowledge for peer support workers
Communication and engagement skills
Working in partnership. Supporting people as a peer support worker
Self-care and support
Optional skills – using psychological approaches to support personal recovery