What does a Peer Counselor do?
Published 4 min read
A peer counselor is a person who provides support and guidance to others, typically on a one-to-one basis. Peer counselors are often used in settings such as schools, universities, and community organizations. They may also work in mental health or substance abuse counseling.
Peer Counselor job duties include:
- Act as a sounding board for clients, allowing them to talk through their thoughts and feelings
- Help clients develop coping and problem-solving skills
- Assist clients in exploring their options and making decisions
- Help clients identify their strengths and resources
- Encourage clients to set realistic goals and work towards achieving them
- Help clients explore their feelings and emotions
- Promote healthy decision-making by clients
- Support clients as they work through difficult life experiences
- Be a nonjudgmental and empathetic listener
Peer Counselor Job Requirements
A peer counselor is someone who provides support and guidance to others, typically in a professional setting. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, or community organizations. In order to be a peer counselor, one typically needs at least a high school diploma. Some jobs may require postsecondary education, such as an associate's or bachelor's degree. Many peer counselors are certified by professional organizations, such as the National Board for Certified Counselors. Some states also have certification requirements for peer counselors. In addition to education and certification, most peer counseling positions require several years of experience working with individuals in a supportive role.
Peer Counselor Skills
- Listening
- Empathy
- Active listening
- Nonverbal communication
- Conflict resolution
- Building rapport
- Questioning
- Paraphrasing
- Reflection
- Summarizing
- Brainstorming
- Normalizing
Related: Top Peer Counselor Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Peer Counselor
A peer counselor is someone who provides support and guidance to others, usually on a one-to-one basis. They may be trained in counseling techniques or simply be a good listener with a caring attitude. If you’re interested in becoming a peer counselor, there are a few things you can do to get started.
First, consider what kind of counseling you’d like to provide. There are many different types of counseling, such as substance abuse counseling, grief counseling, or relationship counseling. Once you know what area you’d like to focus on, you can start taking steps to become qualified. If you’re interested in substance abuse counseling, for example, you may want to get certified as a drug and alcohol counselor.
In addition to getting training in the specific type of counseling you’re interested in, it’s also important to develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. As a counselor, you’ll be spending a lot of time talking with people, so it’s important that you feel comfortable communicating with others and establishing rapport. You can develop these skills by taking classes, participating in workshops, or simply practicing with friends or family members.
Once you have the necessary training and skills, the next step is to find opportunities to put them into practice. You may want to volunteer at a local crisis center or community mental health clinic. Or, if you’re interested in working with students, you could become a peer counselor at your school or college. By getting experience in the field, you’ll be able to hone your skills and better understand the challenges and rewards of being a counselor.
Related: Peer Counselor Resume Example
Related: Peer Counselor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)