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Don’t guess your way through a crisis conversation. Learn how to use the 6-step SAFER-R model to support a peer through stress, shock, or trauma.

Have you ever walked into a conversation with someone in crisis and thought, “I hope I don’t mess this up”?

You’re not alone. When emotions are high and someone is overwhelmed, even experienced peer supporters can feel stuck. The good news? You don’t have to guess your way through it. There’s a simple model you can follow that keeps the conversation safe, supportive, and focused.

In this episode, I walk you through the SAFER-R model, a 6-step crisis intervention framework that peer support teams across the country use to help coworkers stabilize, process, and move forward after a tough event.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• The six essential steps of the SAFER-R model
• What each step looks and sounds like in a real conversation
• How to guide someone through a crisis moment without freezing or fixing

This episode gives you a structured, data-driven approach to one-on-one peer support that actually works, especially when emotions are raw and time is short.

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

CISM Quick Reference Cards - https://www.cismbookstore.com/content/critical-incident-stress-management-cism-quick-reference-cards

Schedule a call with Bart: https://stresscaredoc.com/consultation

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises.

Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin

Dates: January 6-8, 2026
Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day
Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building

If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Send me a text

Knowing what to say in a crisis can be hard. In this episode, we cover what to say and what not to say when someone’s been through a critical incident or is overwhelmed.

Ever been in a conversation where someone opens up about something painful, and you’re not sure what to say next?

That moment can feel like walking a tightrope. Say the wrong thing, and they might shut down. Say nothing, and you risk missing a chance to help.

If you’re on a peer support team or just someone others lean on, this episode will help you show up better when someone is hurting. You’ll learn practical ways to communicate care and empathy, without overstepping your role or fumbling for the right words.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL KNOW:

• What to avoid saying in a crisis conversation (even if it sounds helpful)
• How to stay present when someone’s angry, overwhelmed, or in tears
• Simple, supportive phrases that help people feel heard—not judged

This episode is full of real-world tools you can use the next time someone says, “I’m not OK.”

Links Mentioned in This Episode

Email Bart: info@stresscaredoc.com

Schedule a Discovery Call: https://stresscaredoc.com/consultation

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises.

Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin

Dates: January 6-8, 2026
Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day
Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building

If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.

Send me a text

Helping others doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself. Learn how peer supporters can set boundaries without guilt, burnout, or blowing up relationships.

Do you ever feel like you’re always “on call” for your team, even when you’re off?

That might be a sign your peer support boundaries are too fuzzy. And here’s the thing: blurry boundaries don’t help anyone, not you, and not the people you’re trying to support.

In peer support, it’s easy to slip into a mindset where you feel like you can’t say no. Like if someone needs you, you have to drop everything and respond. But that’s not sustainable. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking care of your own mental and emotional health.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to set boundaries in a way that protects your energy and still communicates care. We’ll talk about how to avoid burnout, how to recognize when you’re giving too much, and how to create healthy limits that still allow you to be present and helpful.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

• How to recognize when your boundaries are being pushed
• What healthy peer support boundaries look like in real life
• How to say “no” without guilt—and why it’s one of the most caring things you can do

This episode will help you stay effective, avoid resentment, and model the kind of balance that actually helps your team thrive.

Schedule a Call with Bart

https://www.survivingyourshift.com/consultation

This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises.

Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin

Dates: January 6-8, 2026
Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day
Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building

If you're receiving value from this podcast, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep producing these practical episodes. Become a supporter today.

Connect with Bart

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger

Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift

Website: survivingyourshift.com

Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.