Topic Tuesday // What online peer support looks like // Tues 16th July, 7pm-9pm AEST

[whatsinaname]

Thanks @Former-Member and @MDT.

A good first open question is, how has your day been?

One I like too is, what do you think you need right now?

[Former-Member]

Yeah totally! @CheerBear Very open ended. I always say "how are you travelling?" And discovered recently with a couple of UK friends that this is not a common turn of phrase globally haha. 

@BlueBay Thank you, very good reflections as always 🙂

[MDT]

Usually I have found that open ended questions are a good way to build conversation. It allows someone to express their views better - rather than just one off answers

[Shaz51]

ammmm @Former-Member 

" how are you today "

"how are you and your family going "

[Former-Member]

So true @MDT I find them definitely a very gentle way to build connection, not super confronting either as we kick off conversations in an online capacity or otherwise Thank you!

[CheerBear]

Haha I had no idea that wasn't a common phrase @Former-Member!

[Former-Member]

Yes this is a very good one - what do you think you need right now?

It also invites another person to reflect on their own needs and desires, sometimes as humans we need a gentle prompt 🙂 thank you @whatsinaname 

[frog]

Agree @Former-Member re "what do you think you need right now" - good one @whatsinaname 

A related one is: What are some ways you can be kind to yourself/practice self care?

[Former-Member]

Hello everyone. I haven't been around for a while because I have had to reflect on some things pertaining to online/any peer support. I find it quite difficult to know what my needs are in this regard, and find the expectation to know rather unappealing. For me, its not a social thing and I am very off-put by the expectation to connect with people. Due to my history, its usually not something I am interested in, yet alone capable of doing.

I also find open ended questions to be trite and generic most of the time. Lingering sense of having to answer when I am a private person isn't very pleasant either. So whilst I probably have a controversial and unpopular opinion, I think it is important to not expect things from peers and to have recognition that there will be and are peers who either aren't interested in connecting, or cannot develop connection, and that these peers are still just as worthwhile as other peers.

[Former-Member]

Yes totally @frog Another good one as it calls on the person to move inwards 🙂 Love this.