In our previous blog, Foundations of Support: Exploring the Different Types of Support for Well-Being, we explored the various types of support that contribute to our well-being, including emotional, instrumental, informational, and more. Understanding these types of support is a vital first step in building a strong support network. Now, in Part 2, we’ll take that knowledge a step further by reflecting on your current support system.
Life is dynamic, and so are our needs. Whether you're navigating a health challenge, managing stress, or simply juggling day-to-day responsibilities, it can be supportive to review the supports you currently have, the type of support they offer, and identify any gaps that may need filling. This blog offers a guide to get curious about your supports and to help you review your support system, consider ways to strengthen it, and identify areas where additional support may be needed.
Recognizing the Different Sources of Support
It’s important to recognize that no single source of support can meet all of our needs. Our needs are dynamic, and some supports in our lives may be better suited to provide certain types of help while being less equipped for others. For instance, a pet can offer emotional comfort and companionship, but it's not practical to expect tangible support from them. This awareness isn’t about criticizing or judging the support we receive but rather deepening our understanding of how to best engage with those in our lives. It also helps us reduce frustration and strain in relationships, allowing for clearer communication about what we need. Sometimes, when the type of support we seek doesn’t align with what the other person can provide, it can lead to disappointment or miscommunication. By identifying the types of support each person or source offers, we can reduce these mismatches and approach our relationships with greater clarity. This can also open the door to conversations about how we can ask for the support we need in ways that feel comfortable (and we’ll explore communication strategies around this in an upcoming blog).
Below you will find two worksheet options to explore and get curious about the supports you currently have in your life. These worksheets are designed to be a framework to get you started but I encourage you to work with them in the way you find most supportive. Below is a summary and descriptions of support from my previous blog to help you in identifying types of support.
Worksheet Option 1: Identifying Your Current Supports
As we discussed, no single source of support can meet all of our needs. Reflecting on the support you already have in your life—from people, pets, communities, or organizations—can help you recognize how you are currently meeting those needs. This process is not about judgment, but rather about gaining a deeper understanding of the foundation you've already built and identifying areas where additional support could be helpful.
For this worksheet, take a moment to list the names of those who provide you with support. This may be a friend, family member, pet, community, or even a place that brings you comfort. Then, under each name, note the type(s) of support they offer—whether it’s emotional, instrumental, recreational, or something else. This reflection can help you see the areas of your support system that are working well and give you clarity on how to strengthen it going forward. I have included a summary of the types of support with this worksheet.
Worksheet Option 2: Mapping Your Current Supports by Type
This worksheet is designed to help you identify who in your life can meet your various support needs.
Below, you’ll find eight types of support: emotional, instrumental, informational, tangible, esteem/validation, accountability, spiritual, and recreational. An explanation for each type of support is also attached. If you find that there is another type of support you need that isn't listed here, please write it down and add it to your worksheet.
For each type of support, list the names of individuals, pets, or organizations that are currently supporting you in these areas. You can also take it a step further by noting those who you believe can help meet these support needs but with whom you may not have connected yet.
As you work through these worksheets and explore your supports, you may begin to identify some of your needs—whether they are specific to support or more general awareness of your current circumstances. I encourage you to write these needs down, as identifying them is an important step in building both your support and self-care resources. In an upcoming blog, we will delve deeper into our needs for support as we continue to navigate the process of building a robust support system.
I have attached a PDF copy of these worksheets below.
Counsellors and coaches can assist you in identifying and strengthening your resources and support systems. If you're interested in discussing your support system or would like help in reviewing or building it, please reach out through our contact card or book a 15-minute discovery call to learn more about our services.
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