Cultural Humility
You notice that you are making assumptions about a peer's family dynamics based on your own upbringings. what should you do?
reflect on your bias and invite the peer to define their own culture and experience.
Forms and documents at your agency use clinical language that is at a college degree for comprehension. what can you do?
advocate for inclusive language that is easily read for all ages including youth. you can also take this a step further and supporting those same documents reflect a diverse group of people.
a peer draws strength from spiritual traditions passed down in their family. what can you conclude from this?
their culture is a healing factor in their recovery.
What is an invisible disability?
It can be a physical, mental, or neurological impairment that cannot be seen from the outside.
Jordan says" My therapist wants me to try medications again, but I'm not sure. what do you think?"
In what ways can you partner and support Jordan?
Explore their thoughts on medication. what worked last time and what did not. What hopes they have from using medication this time.
your opinion is not relevant here. our job is to explore what will work best along side our peer
A Peer shares a belief that differs from your own worldview and you feel discomfort rising. what do you do?
Remain curious rather than corrective. Remember that it is important to have an open mind on others life experiences. Our opinions are not relevant. if these beliefs make you feel unsafe talk to your supervisor.
during a group that you are facilitating, a member uses language that stereotypes another culture.
redirect the conversation by reframing the importance of ones culture. "thank you for stepping into a space that is open to learning about other cultures and the perspectives that are brought forward by members of those cultures."
A Peer says "My community always shows up for each other" What can you identify from this strength?
Their culture is both collective and supportive.
True or false: just because you have never heard of a specific condition does not mean that it doesn't exist?
True. Take this a step further and allow your peer to educate you on this. Allow them to define their abilities and challenges.
A Peer says " You're the only one who understands me. I dont want to talk to someone else."
How do you avoid fostering dependance? What can you model in this moment?
Remember to be the potted plant and not the willow tree! Support your peer by asking "what makes talking to me helpful for you? maybe we can find those qualities in your next formal support"
you realize that you do not understand a cultural practice important to the peers recovery.
ask respectful and open ended questions. Give the peer an opportunity teach about their life, experiences, and passions.
a peer prefers to communicate in a way that does not align with peer culture. what can you do?
Continue to use language that reflects peer culture and planting those seeds of opportunity to reframe one's thinking.
A Peer uses storytelling to make meaning of their experiences. What is the strength here?
the value and honor narrative as a culturally rooted recovery practice.
What can you do when you notice that you are making assumptions based off what you can see of a persons abilities or challenges?
Check your bias and resist making judgments about what YOU believe a person can or cannot do
A Peer wants to incorporate traditional healing practices into their recovery plan, but their provider dismisses the idea.
How do you support someone in making sure they feel heard in their recovery journey?
Walk along side someone and role play advocacy efforts. There is an opportunity to build confidence and grow into standing their ground.
a peer says that a previous provider was dismissive of their culture. How do you move forward and support your peer?
validate their experience. allow them to drive the conversation and set the pace and expectations for their needs when it comes to their culture.
you notice that some peers are quieter in group discussions. what can you do?
intentionally create a space that allows someone to feels safe and courageous to step forward.
A Peer resists individual- focus goal setting because their culture values family centered decisions. What can you do?
Collaborate with the peer and their family in a way that keeps their decision in the forefront while supports their family culture.
A Peer does not make eye contact, and you initially interpret this as disengagement. what else could be going on here?
this could be a sign that there is a cultural form of communication to consider.
Your agency requires a goal in the treatment plan however your peer says " I don't know what I want, I'm tired"
How can you co-create goals instead of impose them on someone?
Explore why they came into services, explore their values, explore what their ideal outcome is in the next 6 months.
This is your opportunity to listen and really see where the peer is at and how you can meet them there.
how can you commit to learning about culture?
remain educated! whether that is through trainings or allowing your peers to educate you.
your agency policy unintentionally excludes people from certain cultural back grounds. what can you do?
Point it out and advocate for changes.
A peer says their cultural identity gives them resilience in the face of stigma. What ways can you affirm this strength?
validate their source of empowerment
you feel tempted to "educate" a peer about what you think is best for them? What is this an example of?
power over! it is not our job to educate them on anything. we can explore options along side of them that our peer feels is best for them.
A Peer says "Last time we met, i felt like you were not really listening to me"
How do you repair the relationship?
we take personal responsibility and explore what the peer needs from you moving forward. We have an open conversation about communication styles and how you as the Peer specialist can attune yourself to their communication style.
consider asking "are we sharing and venting or are we looking for solutions?" create a space for safety to be honest about their needs in the moment.