THE BOOK
OVERVIEW OF TRAINING THE TRAINER
(Please select a link below to learn more about that
section of the book).
THE GROUP PROCESS:
I have had great success utilizing a group
approach to training peer counselors. The group process is an integral
part of the training. Group members are encouraged to be real with each
other; to support each other, and to express opposing ideas and opinions
in constructive ways. They are also encouraged to listen to opposing
viewpoints before reacting; and to act in a manner that is neither
offensive nor destructive. It will be your task to model this behavior,
and to teach and encourage group members who are having difficulty in
this area. The hope is that the result will yield a cohesive group.
Group members who cannot adapt to this kind of atmosphere will probably
drop out. If we can deal with each other, the chances are we can not
only deal with the consumers we help, but with the barriers to our
success.
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THE CONTEXT:
Training the Trainer is a mechanism to teach
counseling skills to consumers. Not every consumer who joins a group
wants to become a peer counselor. Some join to improve their ability to
interact with others in everyday life. There are several concepts that
will help the consumer achieve his goals.
The PROCEDURES section serves to introduce
some guidelines for the training. The group will develop goals, rules,
and become familiar with each other. It also discusses the role of the
peer counselor and the concept of relationship building in the
counseling process. The PROCEDURES section is a prerequisite for the
training. Hopefully, those that complete the PROCEDURES section are
motivated to become quality peer counselors.
The bulk of the training is learned in the SKILLS
sections. As a group we learn counseling skills. The basic premise is
that many consumers have these skills; so a goal of the training is to
validate the strengths and fine-tune the weaknesses of group members.
The skills are taught in a progression and are divided into three
categories.
The ATTENDING SKILLS are utilized to
understand the consumer, They include observation skills, listening
skills, empathizing, and skills to engage the consumer. The RESPONDING
SKILLS are used to help the consumer solve problems, and work out
issues. The FOLLOW-UP SKILLS ensure a session is complete. They might
include checking in with a consumer, or writing a chart note. Included
in this category are mechanisms to ensure a peer counselor is working
productively in his role, so stress management and the use of
supervision are discussed.
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COMPLETING THE TRAINING is the final
section of the training. This features a final exam, where members get
an opportunity to utilize all the skills taught in the manual. I call it
a dress rehearsal for employment. It also provides an opportunity for
final thoughts and feelings; and allows the instructor an opportunity to
access the graduates for employment or volunteer positions.
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TRAINING METHODOLOGY:
The manual utilizes the following mechanisms to
aid the members:
- Theory and concepts that are conducive to
teaching counseling skills.
- Thought-provoking exercises and questions to
stimulate discussion.
- Role-playing exercise to improve skills and
stimulate discussion.
The hope is that members share experiences, are
real with each other, and effectively learn from group interaction.
Group interaction will be a key component in the success of the
training.
STARTING A PEER COUNSELING PROGRAM:
This section of the manual tells about the
author's experiences as a mental health professional and how he started
a peer counseling program. This section also describes the program at
Community Connections where mental health consumers are employees of the
managed care organization that funds the program. Lastly, this section
gives the reader tips about starting his own program.
Please contact Nate at (303)-839-8590 or info@peertraining.com
for further information.
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