How can "active listening" be defined in peer counseling?

Active listening in peer counseling is fundamentally about creating a supportive and empathetic environment for the speaker. It involves not just hearing the words being spoken, but also understanding and connecting with the emotions and meanings behind those words. The concept of engaging through reflection, summarizing, and validating feelings is core to active listening because it demonstrates to the speaker that their thoughts and feelings are being acknowledged and understood.

When a peer counselor reflects what the speaker has said, it clarifies and reinforces the speaker’s message, allowing them to feel heard. Summarizing helps to consolidate the conversation and ensures that both the counselor and the speaker are on the same page. Validating feelings acknowledges the speaker’s emotions as real and significant, which can foster a greater sense of trust and safety in the counseling relationship.

This approach stands in contrast to simply asking questions or providing solutions, which may divert focus from the speaker's own exploration of their thoughts and feelings. The essence of active listening lies in supporting the speaker's process without imposing solutions or judgments, thereby empowering them to navigate their own experiences.