Peer Support Specialist Collaborative
Collaborative Monthly Call Notes
NOTES from 2/8/16
Sequoia ACT Team Peer Support Specialist, David Dedrickson (), focused his remarks in two areas. The first was the “4 Central Tasks” as identified in the Intentional Peer Support model. The second, related to the use of language.
The IPS 4 Central Tasks are:
1. Connection: Connection is the core of peer support. It is the powerful sense when we realize that someone else "gets it." It is the beginning of building trust. But the connection isn't permanent - we have to work at it; when we notice disconnection, we need to be willing to explore what's happening.
2. Worldview:Through honest connection we can then explore with each other, seeking to understand how we have come to know what we "know." Together, we look at how we make sense of what's going on, and learn to sit with the differences in our worldviews. This process may challenge us to rethink our ideas and the "stories" we tell ourselves.
3. Mutuality:In a relationship based on IPS principles, both people learn, grow and are challenged through the relationship. Mutuality is not to be confused with reciprocity - people taking turns to help each other. Mutuality means being in relation with another person, while staying present and aware of our own reactions, worldview, needs and assumptions.
4. Moving Towards:Instead of thinking about moving away from our problems (and what we don't want), in IPS each person in the relationship reflects on what we want to move towards. Often, in mental health, focusing on our problems keeps us stuck.
David emphasized that peers are not there to fix problems. Peers are peers, not clinicians. The peer’s role should instill hope, understanding fear but not focusing on it.
Peers make connections. A peer is relational – peer to peer – not, “I am your helper.” We find out things in peers life by asking questions like, “help me understand what that means to you?”
It flows in and out every day. There is no rescuing going on, just offering support to move forward toward what they want. Often there are escalations leading toward natural consequences. Sometime it can feel like people take 3 steps backwards to 1 step forward.
Mutuality does that mean we are friends. It means we are peers. We learn from one another. I do not meet with a specific agenda but each time we meet I am looking for ways to support peers toward wellness. I may recommend something through open ended questions or referring to past experiences. “How does taking a walk in Portland sound to you?” “It sounds like you really like …. .“ “I feel like you really liked going to … “ I always put everything back in their court.
Moving Toward is not moving away from something because it is problem rather focusing on something positive because it feels good. EX: I enjoy walking because I like seeing birds, instead of, I have to get some physical activity because I am overweight.
David shared the following list of language comparisons. In addition to reviewing these David shared that he does not like the word ‘problem’ and does not focus his time with participants on discussions of ‘therapy’ or ‘treatment plans.’ David talked about how he talks with team regarding language. If MH language is used he would say something like: “I would like to mindful that using the word or phrase … .” Calling out MH languae statements and noting how they might impact team approach can turn discussion toward person centered language use. If someone says a person is “in denial,” David might suggest instead that we say “an individual is not wanting to explore … at this time”
Words have power. The words we use impact others, our personal and the ACT teams service approach.
Mental Health Person Centered
Chronic In Recovery
Symptoms Experiences
High/low functioning Having a good/bad day
Manipulative Strategic or Resources
My clients People I work with
Schizophrenic His/her name is…….. (first person)
The mentally ill Person
Non-compliant Not in agreement with me
PSS’s discussed that they can get involved in rescuing. Some times it is difficult to set boundaries and pay attention to personal care. Some shared that they question themselves and over process what they might have done better. Since ACT services are community-based, PSS’s discussed how to go to participants, meet them where they are, while at the same time not putting themselves in any dangerous situations.
PSS’s shared they encourage peer to get away from the “may I” type of questions which is ingrained by MH services. Some suggested useful questions were … “ I don’t know what to think. What do you think?” Another favorite question for a PSS is, “How do you feel I can support you?” “Do you want me to call before …” “What is it that you want to do?” It makes it clear that PSS is present to work with, not direct. These questions naturally lead to discussion of short term goals because they bringing up positive action.
PSS’s discussed what their involvement is in treatment plan preparation. Several peers played an active role. All GOBHI funded programs are learning to use “Real Me Personal Care Plans” which is going live now. In Grants Pass the PSS prepares a Person Centered Improvement Plan with participants whic is folded into the treatment plan. Pendleton uses the dimension of wellness as part of building treatment plan so participant goals. Ann stated when PSS’s participate in care plan development process it creates more person centered plans.
ROSTER in order of Agency Name (15 Attendees)
Agency / Counties Served / Location / Peers / February CallBenton County Behavioral Health / Benton / Corvallis / Kristin Giles, Robert Ackerlind / 2
Center for Human Development / Union / LaGrande / Lacey Bluhm / 1
Columbia Community Mental Health / Columbia / St. Helens / Patrick Chand / 1
Laurel Hill Center / Lane / Eugene / Christina Lindsey / 1
Lifeways Malheur / Malheur / Ontario / Joe Wessel / 1
Lifeways Umatilla / Umatilla / Pendleton / Vickie Crane / 1
Linn County Mental Health / Linn / Albany / Sierra Morgan / 1
Marion County / Marion / Salem / Jason Morrow / 1
NARA Totem / Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington / Portland / Myldred Silvia / 1
New Directions Behavioral Health & Wellness / Baker / Baker City / Rosalea Lugo / 1
Options for Southern Oregon / Josephine / Grants Pass / Tom Elliot / 1
Polk County / Polk / Dallas / Jenn Pangburn / 1
Sequoia Mental Health Services / Washington / Aloha / David Dedrickson / 1
Wallowa Valley Center for Wellness / Wallowa / Enterprise / Rebecca King / 1
TOTAL ATTENDEES / 15