Topic 3: The Role of Self-Reflection in Ethical Development

Ethical peer support requires ongoing self-reflection. By regularly assessing one’s biases, challenges, and ethical decision-making processes, peer specialists can refine their approach and maintain professional integrity.

Self-Reflection Practices:

  • Keep an ethics reflection journal to process challenges.
  • Set regular self-assessments for ethical strengths and growth areas.
  • Discuss ethical concerns in supervision or peer support groups.
  • Evaluate past decisions to improve future ethical responses.

Example: A peer specialist reflects on a past ethical dilemma and identifies ways they could have handled it differently, using the insights to guide future decision-making.

Best Practice: Schedule regular self-reflection sessions to analyze ethical growth and learning.

Calls to Action Poll

Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Peer mentor training
Group facilitator training
Crisis responder training
Toolkits or educational resources
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Templates for operations (e.g., reports, outreach plans)
Apps for scheduling, communication, or service delivery
Centralized platforms or systems to manage services
Tech literacy and support for RCO staff/volunteers
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Public education materials about recovery
Anti-stigma messaging and campaigns
Community presentations or media outreach
Engagement with schools, employers, and faith-based organizations
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Transitional or supportive housing models
Second-chance hiring programs
Job training and resume support
Partnerships with local employers
Strongly disagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly agree
Volunteer recruitment and engagement
Matching professional skills (e.g., legal, marketing) with org needs
Platform or system to manage and track volunteer involvement
Training and orientation tools for volunteers