Support without rescuing

Time limit: 10 minutes.
Go around and everybody read a paragraph or two. Then discuss small group questions.

Being supportive

Being supportive is different from trying to rescue somebody. Rescuing is a very draining activity. Rescuing means:

How to be supportive without rescuing

  1. Ask the person what he wants and doesn’t want.

  2. Be clear about what you want to do and don’t want to do.

  3. Be clear about what you are capable of doing and what you aren’t capable of doing.

  4. Negotiate about what you will and what you won’t do.

  5. Acknowledge you may have an investment in rescuing others – and find out why.

Prevent traumatic stress and burnout

Build a supportive culture

In additional to individual support, we can build a culture of support.


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