What is Building the Bridge?

Building the Bridge is a time-limited design and pilot project focused on ethical, equity-centred peer debriefing and Communities of Practice (CoP) for emerging social workers.

The project is developing and testing facilitated spaces where social work students and recent graduates can reflect together, explore ethical tensions and strengthen mutual learning and connection.

Who is the pilot for?

The pilot is intended for Social Work Students, recent graduates, and early-career practitioners. You may be eligible if you:

• Are enrolled in the BSW or MSW program at Carleton University or have graduated within the last 5 years.

• Can attend some of the planned sessions.

• Are interested in reflective, ethical and equity-centred practice.

• Are willing to contribute respectful feedback about the pilot.

Do I need previous peer-debriefing experience?

No previous peer-debriefing experience is required. Facilitators will explain the process, shared agreements and session structure before reflective discussion begins.

Participants do not need to arrive with a prepared case or a complete understanding of the issue they want to explore.

What happens during a peer-debriefing session?

A facilitator will guide the group through a structured reflective process informed by Amanda Rocheleau’s 3 D’s of debriefing: Defusing, Discovering and Differentiate. These three purposes help the group move beyond venting toward deeper reflection and meaningful next steps. Amanda Rocheleau’s debriefing framework

• Defusing: Pause, check in and make space for the immediate emotional impact of an experience. Participants can name what they are carrying and feel heard without being expected to provide every detail or find an immediate solution.

• Discovering: Explore the experience more deeply. The group may consider emotions, ethical tensions, competing responsibilities, identity, power, policy and workplace conditions. Participants listen to different perspectives and ask reflective questions without rushing to advice.

• Differentiate: Sort through what belongs to the individual, what belongs to others and what reflects broader organizational or systemic conditions. Participants may distinguish responsibility from over-responsibility, clarify what is within their influence and identify boundaries, supports or accountable next steps.

The session may close by inviting participants to reflect on what they are taking away and what care, support or action may be needed next. Participants can choose how much they wish to share and should avoid identifying clients, colleagues, workplaces or placements. This process supports peer reflection and mutual learning; it is not therapy or clinical supervision.

Is peer debriefing therapy or clinical supervision?

No. The pilot offers facilitated peer reflection and mutual learning. It does not provide therapy, crisis support, clinical supervision, case management, legal advice or formal direction about professional decisions.

Participants should continue to use appropriate supervisors, instructors, regulatory guidance, workplace processes and professional or clinical supports.

Can I bring a client or workplace situation to the group?

Participants may reflect on practice experiences, but they will be asked to remove identifying information about clients, service users, colleagues, instructors, placements, agencies and workplaces.

The group is not a place to investigate complaints, make formal reports or determine professional liability. Facilitators may redirect a conversation if the amount or type of information being shared creates privacy, safety or ethical concerns.

Will everything shared in the group remain confidential?

The group will develop and follow a shared participation agreement addressing privacy, respectful engagement and the limits of confidentiality.

Participants will be asked not to repeat personal information or attribute comments to other group members. However, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in a group setting.

Before participating, members will receive clear information about approved limits, facilitator responsibilities and any duty-related requirements.

What if I do not feel comfortable sharing?

Participants can decide what and how much they share. Listening, reflecting privately, writing or contributing more generally may be valid ways to participate.

No one will be required to disclose a personal experience or discuss something they do not wish to explore. Facilitators will encourage choice while also supporting respectful and meaningful group participation.

How much time does participation require?

We anticipate offering approximately 5–6 Community of Practice meetings between mid-October and early December, with each meeting lasting approximately 90 minutes.

Participants are encouraged to attend as many meetings as possible, as regular participation helps build connection, trust, and continuity within the group. However, we understand that schedules vary, and participants have flexibility in choosing which meetings they attend.

Participants may also be invited to complete brief feedback forms during or following the pilot to help us learn from the experience and strengthen the project.

Where will sessions take place?

Sessions will be held online using ZOOM. Private meeting links will be sent directly to participants and will not be posted publicly.

What accessibility supports will be available?

During registration participants will be invited to identify access needs and will utilize the accessibility tools available in Zoom to support your needs.

Is participation paid?

Participation in this pilot is voluntary and unpaid. The expected time commitment will be explained before participants decide whether to take part.

How will my information be used?

Information submitted through the early engagement survey will be accessible only to authorized project team members and used to assess eligibility, organize the pilot and contact applicants.

How will participant feedback be shared?

Feedback will be used to improve the pilot and inform decisions about future Communities of Practice (CoP).

Any public reporting will use approved, non-identifying information. Direct quotations, stories or information that could identify a participant will not be shared without appropriate consent and approval.

Can I withdraw from the pilot?

Participation is voluntary. Participants may choose to stop attending or withdraw from future activities.

What if I need urgent or specialized support?

Building the Bridge project is not a crisis-response or clinical-support service, and the project email may not be monitored continuously.

Anyone requiring urgent assistance should contact an appropriate emergency, crisis, health, workplace, academic or professional support service. Facilitators can clarify the boundaries of the pilot but cannot provide emergency intervention or ongoing individual support.

Who is developing the project?

The project is being developed collaboratively by a team connected with the School of Social Work at Carleton University. Refer to Team Section of this website.

Who supports the project?

Supported by the Evelyn Maud McCorkell Foundation, School of Social Work, Carleton University.

How can I ask another question?

Questions about participation, accessibility, collaboration or the project can be sent to socialwork.cop@gmail.com

Please do not email confidential information about clients, colleagues, placements or workplaces.