Qualities of an effective Peer Counsellor Flashcards
Active Listening Skills
This involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding and remembering what the speaker is saying, demonstrating empathy and support without judgement or advice unless requested
Why active listening is important
- Fosters understanding
- Builds trust
- Creates a supportive environment
- Enables the counsellor to accurately identify and respond to the needs of the person seeking help
Improving Active Listening Skills
- Be present-eliminate distractions
- Show that you’re listening-use non-verbal cues such as nodding etc
- Reflect and Clarify-paraphrase to ensure understanding. Ask open-ended questions
- Avoid interruptions- Let the speaker fully express themselves before you respond
Empathy and Sensitiveness
Ability to understand and share the feelings of another person in order to provide effective and compassionate support
Importance of empathy and sensitivity
- Allows the peer counsellor to understand and share the feelings of others
- Fostering a supportive,trusting environment
3.Facilitates open communication and effective guidance
Improving Empathy Skills
- Active listening- Really listen to what the other person is saying without planning your response while they speak
- Open-ended questions- Encourage sharing by asking question that require more than yes or no answers
- Non-judgemental- Keep an open mind and avoid making judgements
- Body language & Tone- Be mindful of your non-verbal cues and tone of voice ensuring they convey understanding and compassion
- Reflective listening- Mirror back what youve heard to show you understand and to clarify confusion
- Empathy Practise-Engage in exercises designed to enhance empathy such as role play
- Seek feedback- Regularly ask for feedback on your empathetic skills from peers to identify areas of improvement
Confidentiality
Refers to the ethical obligation to keep private and secure all personal information shared by clients,except in cases where it’s required by law or necessary to prevent harm
Why is confidentiality important ?
- Fosters a safe and trusting environment
- Encourages individuals to share personal concerns freely without a fear of judgement or privacy breaches
- This trust is essential for support and guidance
Ways to Improve Confidentiality skills
- Understand and abide by privacy laws
- Secure communication channels
- Regular training
- Clear boundaries
- Record keeping
- Confidentiality agreements
Cultural Competence
Refers to the ability to understand, appreciate and interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, beliefs ensuring respectful and effective support
Why cultural competence is important?
- Ensures respectful and effective engagement
- Lead to enhanced trust,communication and outcomes in counselling sessions
How to I’mprove cultural competence
- Educate yourself
- Listen actively
- Self-Reflection
4.Seek feedback - Engage in cultural immersion
- Professional development
- Network
Group Facilitation
Involves guiding and managing a group discussion or activity to ensure it’s productive, inclusive, and supportive, enabling all members to share their experiences, offer support, and gain insights collaboratively.
Why is group facilitation important?
- Helps ensure effective communication
- Encourages participation and collaboration among all members
- Fosters a supportive environment conducive to collective growth, problem-solving, and goal achievement
How to improve group facilitation?
- Active listening
- Clear communication
- Conflict resolution
- Encourage participation
- Feedback mechanism
- Continuous learning
