In what context should CRSS professionals manage their personal feelings?

Managing personal feelings is crucial in the context of a Certified Recovery Support Specialist’s role, as it directly impacts the welfare of the individuals they serve. The focus should remain on supporting clients effectively, which includes recognizing and regulating one's personal emotions to avoid projecting them onto clients or allowing them to interfere with the support process.

By managing their feelings, CRSS professionals can maintain a professional demeanor and provide a safe, supportive environment for clients. This means being aware of personal emotions and how they could affect interactions, ensuring that client welfare is the priority in all situations. It also allows the recovery support specialist to remain empathetic and understanding without becoming emotionally overwhelmed, which is essential in navigating the complexities of recovery processes.

Other options would lead to unproductive outcomes; suppressing feelings entirely could result in emotional detachment, making it difficult to connect with clients. Expressing feelings freely or sharing them indiscriminately can blur professional boundaries and may not contribute positively to the client's recovery journey. Therefore, the most appropriate approach is to manage personal feelings in a way that prioritizes client welfare while maintaining a supportive, professional relationship.