What is and what is not allowed
Peer visitors are NOT professional counselors, therapists, advice-givers or problem solvers. They are sensitive listeners who use the skills they have developed and their lived experience to support the recovery of persons with amputation.
Peer visitors do not:
- force or coerce others to participate in peer support services or in any other service
- make false promises
- express or exercise power over those that they support
- diagnose or offer medical services
- Not suggest alternative treatment methods or assistive devices
If you are asked about something that worked for you, it must be made clear that this method was one that worked for you but they should follow up with the resources provided.
Role Playing Scenarios
Scenario #1:
Peer support: Hello, how are you doing today?
Person with amputation: I’m doing okay, I think, I’m still getting used to my new leg
Peer support: I can totally relate, don’t worry it only took me 2 months to get used to mine.
Discussion:
- Did the peer support person demonstrate any inappropriate behavior?
- Why was this behavior inappropriate?
Scenario #2:
Peer support: Good morning!
Person with amputation: Good morning.
Peer support: How are you feeling today?
Person with amputation: um..I don’t know, I think i’m making progress with my arm but it still feels really weird, it’s taking me a long time to pick up objects, and it’s all just so frustrating
Peer support: That must be rough, I had a similar experience when I first started, do you want to hear my story?
Discussion:
- Do you think the peer support persons actions were appropriate?
Instructor Notes:
Concepts: Key Concepts to Cover
- What peer support visitors are NOT
- e.g licensed counsellors, therapists etc…
- What peer support visitors are NOT to do
- Force/coerce participation, make false promises etc…
Role Playing Scenario Facilitation:
- Ask the class for 2 volunteers to participate in the first role playing scenario
- Give the 2 volunteers the script and have them act out the scenarios in front of the class
Scenario #1:
Peer support: Hello, how are you doing today?
Person with amputation: I’m doing okay, I think, I’m still getting used to my new leg
Peer support: I can totally relate, don’t worry it only took me 2 months to get used to mine.
Discussion:
-
- Ask: Did the peer support person demonstrate any inappropriate behavior?
- Ask: Why was this behavior inappropriate? What could have been done differently?
- ANSWER: Yes, the peer support visitor demonstrated inappropriate behaviour
- REASONING: You cannot ever fully understand another’s experience no matter how similar, and talking about how fast the adaptation to your prosthetic was is not helpful to someone who is still in the adjustment process
- Ask the class for 2 volunteers to participate in the second role playing scenario
-
- Give the 2 volunteers the script and have them act out the scenarios in front of the class
Scenario #2:
Peer support: Good morning!
Person with amputation: Good morning.
Peer support: How are you feeling today?
Person with amputation: um..I don’t know, I think i’m making progress with my arm but it still feels really weird, it’s taking me a long time to pick up objects, and it’s all just so frustrating
Peer support: That must be rough, I had a similar experience when I first started, do you want to hear my story?
Discussion:
- Ask: Do you think the peer support persons actions were appropriate?
- ANSWER: Yes, the peer support visitor demonstrated appropriate behavior
- REASONING: Peer support involves demonstrating empathy with a new amputee not sympathy. They are not pretending to understand their experience and they ask before they share their own experience
- Ask: Do you think the peer support persons actions were appropriate?
- Give the 2 volunteers the script and have them act out the scenarios in front of the class
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