Better Together: The Joy of Peer Support CLE

This CLE is for volunteers of the Indiana Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program.

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.

Indiana 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.

Agenda 

1. Introduction and Overview (5 min)