How can you balance giving advice and listening in a peer support session?

For me as a peer supporter, you should listen more than advise. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but you certainly can can let others see your perspective of things.

In my experience, this is the core of mentorship. Provide an open forum and Sou d. oars for people to explore themselves, their thoughts and feeling. Active listening, combined with well-timed relevant feedback, is essential.

A peer supporter serves as a bridge of understanding and empathy between themselves and their peers. Imagine a scenario where a co-worker, Jane, is struggling with balancing work and home responsibilities. As a peer supporter, instead of directly telling Jane what she should do based on your own experiences, you might say, "I've faced similar challenges and found some strategies helpful. Being a peer supporter is like walking beside someone in a maze. While you might have an idea of the path because you've walked it before, it's not your job to drag them through. Instead, you offer a torchlight, illuminating possibilities, and let them choose their way.

Active listening goes beyond just hearing words; it's about deeply engaging with and understanding the speaker. It involves fully concentrating on, comprehending, and responding to the feelings and thoughts behind the spoken words. Suppose your friend Alex talks about feeling overwhelmed with a project. Instead of immediately offering solutions or sharing your experiences, you might say, "It sounds like this project has been really challenging for you. Can you tell me more about what specifically has been stressful?" Active listening isn't just about the ears hearing; it's about the heart engaging.

In peer support, the primary focus is on listening, understanding, and empathizing rather than dictating solutions. While it might be tempting to jump in with advice, especially if you've experienced something similar, it's crucial to remember that each person's journey is unique. Imagine your friend Jamie expresses frustration about conflicts with a co-worker. Instead of saying, "You should talk to your manager about this," you might consider responding with, "When I faced a similar situation, I found it helpful to speak with my manager. Advice is a tool, not a prescription. Offer it gently, and always leave the choice in the hands of the receiver.

Feedback is a two-way communication channel that helps improve the quality and effectiveness of peer support. While the peer supporter offers insights and assistance based on their experiences, it's essential to understand if this guidance aligns. After a few peer support sessions with Jordan, you notice they seem distant and less engaged. Instead of making assumptions, you ask, "Jordan, I've noticed a shift in our recent sessions. Is there something about our approach that's not resonating with you?" Jordan responds, "I appreciate your observations, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed with too many suggestions. Feedback is the compass that guides our growth. Embrace it with openness and gratitude

Self-monitoring refers to the conscious awareness of one's own behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, especially in interpersonal interactions. Within a peer support context, it becomes pivotal, ensuring that the peer supporter's personal biases, feelings, or experiences don't overshadow the needs of the individual being supported. During a session, Sarah finds herself feeling increasingly agitated when her peer discusses their struggles with time management, something Sarah has personally overcome. Sarah recognizes her rising impatience and recalls her own journey. Self-awareness is the first step to effective communication. When we monitor our inner world, we can better serve the outer world.