You’re struggling to connect with your peer support group. How can you improve your communication skills?

1 Listen actively

One of the most important communication skills in peer support is active listening. This means paying attention to what others are saying, showing interest and empathy, and avoiding distractions or interruptions. Active listening can help you understand the perspectives and feelings of others, as well as show respect and appreciation. To practice active listening, you can use verbal and non-verbal cues, such as nodding, smiling, or saying “I see” or “I hear you”. You can also ask open-ended questions, paraphrase what you heard, or summarize the main points.

2 Share openly

Another key communication skill in peer support is sharing openly. This means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in an honest and respectful way, without fear of judgment or criticism. Sharing openly can help you build trust and rapport with your peers, as well as gain insights and feedback. To share openly, you can use “I” statements, such as “I feel”, “I think”, or “I experienced”. You can also be specific, clear, and concise, and avoid generalizations or assumptions. You can also share your successes, challenges, and goals, and how you cope with them.

5 Respect boundaries

A fifth communication skill in peer support is respecting boundaries. This means recognizing and honoring the limits and preferences of yourself and others, in terms of what you’re comfortable sharing, hearing, or doing. Respecting boundaries can help you create a safe and supportive environment, as well as avoid conflicts or misunderstandings. To respect boundaries, you can use consent and confidentiality, which means asking for permission before sharing or asking something personal, and keeping what you hear or say within the group. You can also use assertiveness and empathy, which means stating your needs and feelings clearly and politely, and understanding and respecting the needs and feelings of others.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?