Episode #3
Ethics and Boundaries in Peer Support
Ethics and boundaries are essential to peer support—but knowing where the line is isn't always easy. In this episode, hosts Juliet Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard explore the complicated gray areas peer supporters face on the job and why simply knowing the difference between right and wrong isn't enough. Joining them to round out the discussion is Gary Krafthefer, who works with PeerTAC and regularly fields questions about ethics and boundaries. Gary explains some of the most common challenges peer supporters may face, including dual relationships, self-disclosure, oversharing, scope of practice, workplace boundaries, and working while experiencing a personal crisis. Their conversation also tackles an important misconception: making an ethical or boundary mistake doesn't automatically make someone an unethical or immoral person. The episode also emphasizes the importance of maintaining your own recovery. Being certified and employed doesn't mean the work of recovery stops—and peer supporters need to recognize when personal circumstances may affect their ability to support someone else. Listeners Will Learn: Why staying within your scope of practice matters How to handle an ethical gray area Why asking for help is a strength, not a failure Ethics aren't always black and white. Sometimes the most ethical thing you can do is admit you don't know and ask for help.
