What approach should a person with the CRSS credential take when assisting individuals?

The approach of offering support and encouragement is essential for individuals with a CRSS credential. This method aligns with the principles of recovery support, which emphasize empowerment, self-determination, and personal growth. By providing a supportive and encouraging environment, a recovery support specialist helps individuals feel valued and understood, which can foster their confidence and motivation to pursue their recovery journey.

Support and encouragement are key elements in building a trusting relationship between the recovery support specialist and the individual. This rapport is foundational for effective communication and for guiding individuals toward making their own informed choices about their recovery path. It promotes resilience and instills hope, allowing clients to navigate challenges while feeling supported rather than judged or coerced.

This approach contrasts with simply providing definitive answers, which could potentially disempower individuals by not allowing them to develop their own decision-making skills. Similarly, critiquing their skills could undermine their confidence and hinder progress, and advising them to avoid challenges would not prepare them for the realities of recovery, where facing and overcoming challenges is often integral to personal growth.