Better Together: The Joy of Peer Support

Empathy is a core skill in peer support, requiring professionalism, discretion, and ethical awareness. While it is often associated with helping others through distress, ethical peer support also includes the ability to recognize and share in moments of progress and success — known as empathetic joy. Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program ("JLAP") volunteers often begin by supporting colleagues during difficult times, but as relationships develop, they also witness recovery, growth, and achievement. When practiced within appropriate boundaries, empathetic joy builds trust, strengthens connection, and supports the well-being of both the volunteer and the peer. This session explores empathetic joy from an ethical, professional perspective and offers practical guidance for incorporating it into JLAP peer support while maintaining confidentiality, role clarity, and professional standards. Faculty Jill Carnell, JD, MA Loretta Oleksy, JD, MSW This is an on-demand recording and transcript of the live CLE that was presented on February 2, 2026. The program is approximately 1 hour long and is approved by the Indiana Office of Admissions and Continuing Education for 1 hour of ethics CLE (Course 389225). This course is available for CLE credit until February 2, 2027. This CLE is freely offered.