1. Ethics and Boundaries that Promote Recovery
By: Kristin Boland, MA, LPC, SAS
CJCC Coordinator, Polk County

2. Introductions: About me:
Mental Health Therapist with specialty in Substance Use
10 years in Polk County’s Behavioral Health Department
Now with the CJCC
Fiber Artist (mostly in my own mind)
Mom and wife
Live in a rural area/Hobby Farm
Lived experience
About you:
Highlights! Group sharing to get to know each other
Introductions:

3. Why do ethics and boundaries matter?
Because, we work with people…
Because, not everything we do or say is received as we intended it to be
Because, we cannot always see ahead to how something will have an impact
Because, most of all we want to help people recover! We do not want to add to the trauma, suffering, or unhealthy coping of anyone with whom we work

4. Vulnerability
Before we go any further we must talk about vulnerability! Doesn’t that sound like fun?
Brene Brown- I would highly recommend looking into her work on vulnerability and shame
If you are not vulnerable you will end up in messy situations…

5. Vulnerability- per Brene Brown’s work
What it is:
What it is not:
Vulnerability means showing up even when you are uncertain, feel at risk, and are emotionally exposed
We measure vulnerability with the amount of courage it takes to show up when we can’t control the outcome
Vulnerability without boundaries is not vulnerability
Vulnerability is not disclosure
An emotional display

6. In our work: What do we share to connect? When do we not share?
How do we know if what we shared fostered growth and healing?
How do we receive the vulnerability of others?
In our work:

7. A key to appropriate, healthy vulnerability in our work is our ability to be vulnerable in our supervision!
Can you be uncertain?
Can you risk being wrong, unsure, unaware?
Can you be emotionally exposed?

8. Ethical and boundary issues become problems when they become secrets!
We must have other professionals: peers and clinical supervisors who we can turn to when we are unsure and uncomfortable. If you are sure you will never have an ethics or boundary issue… Who do you trust enough to be vulnerable with?

9. Ethics and boundaries resources:
Wisconsin Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics- Division of Care and Treatment Services
National Ethical Guidelines and Practice Standards- International Association of Peer Supporters
National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NCPRSS) Code of Ethics- Association for Addiction Professionals and National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals
National Association of Social Workers Code- good to read and be aware of contents…

10. Wisconsin Peer Support Specialist Code of Ethics- Division of Care and Treatment Services
Understanding of recovery and self determination
Conduct myself in ways that foster my own recovery and recognize the influence I may have
Share stories of hope and recovery and what was helpful
Responsibility to share about thoughts of harm to self or abuse
No harmful contact- intimidation, force, or unwarranted promises
No discrimination
Advocacy for peers working with other professionals
No sexual intimacy or other dual relationships (for one year after working together)
Share new information about recovery
Engage in supervision
No gifts, money, or loans
No abuse or exploitation; have a trauma awareness
At all times, respect
Be well, practice self-care; don’t practice if not healthy to do so

11. Ethical scenario 1: discuss in small groups of 6-8
You have been working with Sam for about one year. Sam has made significant progress toward recovery. You really like working with Sam, it is a highlight of your week. Sam has expressed concern about the potential of being discharged from the program where you work. Sam is worried, because it will mean the two of you will not be able to work together any more. Sam is worried that someday there will be a relapse of symptoms. Sam has stated a fear of not being able to cope without you. Sam has asked you to advocate against discharge.
How do you honor Sam’s fears?
How are Sam’s fears related to recovery?
Do you advocate against discharge? Why or why not?
What do you want to share in supervision? How does that make a difference?

12. Small group reporting:
What did your group decide?
Were there varying opinions?
Were there pros and cons?
What resources did you use to make your decision?
What other resources do you wish you had?

13. Ethics Scenario 2: New group!!!!
You have just started working with Jamie. Your child brings home an invitation to a birthday party/slumber party for a kid in the class. You know this is Jamie’s child. Jamie asks the next day if your child will be attending the party.
Do you allow your child to attend?
What do you say to your child?
What do you say to Jamie?
Ethics Scenario 2: New group!!!!

14. 2nd Small group reporting out:
What did your group decide?
What were the complicating factors?
What are the pros and cons?
What would you want to talk about in supervision?

15. Open group discussion about current ethics and boundaries concerns:
Let’s work together to create solutions to issues we are facing in our work!
Kristin’s example: husband selling car at boat landing…

16. Thank you!