Power of the Peer - Crisis Support Solutions

Quit Trying To “Fix It” – Nobody’s Broken

by Dorie | Jul 8, 2022 | Power of the Peer | 1 comment

Trying to “fix” someone’s problem is a futile, rookie mistake. Trying to fix a person in distress assumes two things: (a) the person is broken and in need of fixing; and (b) you are just the person to do it Machines break. People hurt. Machines...

From “Good Listener” to “Effective Helper”

by Dorie | Apr 4, 2022 | Power of the Peer

I was recently asked one of my least favorite questions: What do you do? I dislike this question because I can’t seem to answer it in seven seconds or less (I envy people who can identify their profession, mission or calling in just a few words). I usually say...

What, How & Why of Peer Support

by Dorie | Dec 18, 2021 | Building a Program, Power of the Peer | 1 comment

Even though we deliver peer support training, it may surprise you to learn that we are not interested in promoting peer support, per se. We are, instead, interested in promoting wellness and well-being (which we think of as: hurting less and feeling better). We see...

What’s the difference between CISM & Peer Support?

by Dorie | Oct 21, 2021 | Building a Program, Mailbag, Power of the Peer

The Main Difference is the Brain Difference CISM and peer support are NOT in competition with one another. They are, instead, programs designed to complement one another for the safety and wellness of those in need. So why have two programs? Because they help in...

Top 3 Challenges Starting a Support Program (and how to resolve them)

by Dorie | Feb 21, 2020 | Building a Program, Culture of Care, Power of the Peer, Program Management-Coordination

Looking to start a support program? It can feel like quite an undertaking – especially if you’ve never done anything like this before. I remember the first time I was tasked with enhancing my agency’s peer support program. I had so many questions;...

Defining Support Program Success

by Dorie | Oct 13, 2019 | Building a Program, Power of the Peer, Program Management-Coordination

What is the purpose of your support program? What are you hoping to accomplish? A peer in a federal agency once asked on a coaching call: “How do I know I’ve done my job? What should I consider a success?” She wanted to understand more about outcomes. Before we...