How to Be a Peer Counselor

Parents are a supportive and stabilizing force in children's lives, but kids can learn from and relate to their peers on levels unreachable by the adult generation. If you have the desire to pass on some of the knowledge you've accumulated and to be available to someone in need, then learning how to be a peer counselor may be the route for you.

Instructions

1

Listen well. Active listening is a skill that needs to be learned; it isn't automatic. When counseling a peer, it's essential that while you're listening to him, you maintain eye contact while sitting within a conversational distance and facing him.

2

Show your attentiveness and support by asking questions. If you're listening intently, you'll be able to ask the right questions to draw out your peer and develop trust between you. Ask questions that don't elicit simple yes or no answers, but are instead open-ended.

3

Reiterate what has been said to you. An effective tool used in peer counseling sessions is to listen to what the other person says, reflect upon it and sum it up. By letting your peer know that you've understood what she has told you, you're keeping the situation as calm as possible while building trust.

4

Keep it neutral. When you're in the middle of a peer counseling session and using reiteration and reflection, try to not use statements such as "You are" or "You did." You don't want to make your peer feel like he has to defend himself; you're there to listen and counsel, not point fingers.

5

Attend training opportunities. If your school or community has scheduled peer counseling seminars, classes or conferences, plan on taking advantage of them. If you intend to tutor others, it's essential that you acquire as much training as possible.

6

Know your limitations. If you've been paired with a peer who is exhibiting alarming behavior or giving you other types of warning signs, it's time to call in the pros. Provide referrals for your peer and contact your supervisor.