WHY DO I NEED A PROXY?

“At first, a Proxy takes on the role of an emotional driving instructor with the capacity to shift and ease you back on track step by step to normalcy, until we regain trust within yourself to make appropriate decisions and take appropriate actions without putting others or yourself in danger.”

• It’s difficult to make good decisions on your own while in the middle of a conflict.
• A Proxy will help you map out a plan to recovery and can ease you back on track to normalcy.
• Getting help and guidance eases the road to recovery when taken with a licensed professional or trained volunteer in a time of crisis and emergency.

WHAT IS A PROXY?

A Proxy is someone who

provides unbiased support as a confidant, creating a safe and comfortable environment for sharing thoughts and feelings.

A Proxy can be a licensed professional in emotional and mental health, a personal connection, a member of an outreach community, or organization’s volunteer.

In both cases, they have been trained to de-escalate conflicts and crises and preventing violent or potentially violent or deadly situations.

WHO IS YOUR PROXY?

Although it is recommended that you have more than one Proxy at a time, it is always best to reach out to a licensed or trained professional in a time of crisis and emergency.

Examples of a licensed emotional and mental Proxy:

* Family doctor

* Life Coach

* Psychiatrist

* Psychologist

* Social worker

Examples of a close tie Proxy:

* Acquaintance

* Community center

* Family member

* Friend

* Religious figure

* Spiritual coach

* Sports coach

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A PROXY?

A Proxy should have no other agenda but to provide unbiased assistance in de-escalating and preventing violent or potentially violent or deadly situations.

A Proxy should provide encouragement to an individual as a confidant and create a safe and comfortable environment for others to share their thoughts.

A Proxy should recognize his or her own limitations in assistance and refer an individual to another Proxy as needed.

ONCE WITH A PROXY

  BE HONEST: talk about how you feel and what you think; there are no wrong answers.

  BE OPEN TO NEW OPTIONS : your proxy might introduce you to services and guidelines that may be unfamiliar.

  BE PATIENT. Relief from a crisis take time.