Becoming a Peer Counselor

What is Peer Counseling?
Peer Counseling is a service for College of Charleston students offered by College of Charleston students. The program is supported by CofC’s Counseling and Substance Abuse Services and other CofC faculty and staff. Peer Counselors provide therapeutic listening, help with decision making, and referrals for various local services and activities. All of this is offered in a confidential, non-judgment environment.

How do I become a Peer Counselor?

Meet all requirements (see below)
Attend an Info Session (http://www.cofc.edu/peercounseling for dates)
Submit application package as requested on application coversheet
Receive acceptance notification
Successfully complete the 12 hour training on therapeutic listening skills, decision making models, and referrals
Attend at least 3 peer counseling workshops each semester. These are offered every two-weeks
Successfully complete all online training materials -- offered throughout the year.

Do I get paid?
No. This is a voluntary service opportunity.

What are some of the benefits of being a Peer Counselor?

Becoming skilled in therapeutic listening and decision making
Helping others
Gaining experience that is valued by employers and graduate schools
Interaction with motivated professionals
Ongoing training opportunities to refine skills
Meeting other Peer Counselors
Attending leadership retreats (optional)
References from advisors

What are the GPA/enrollment requirements?
Minimum 3.0 and currently enrolled

How many earned credit hours must I have?
30 credits hour earned at a college or university.

What is the weekly time commitment?
6 hour per week.

At what time are Peer Counseling services offered?
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

To what length of time must I commit?
Applicants must commit to one academic year (Fall and Spring)

Do I have to have a certain major?
No. All majors are welcome.

How do we handle confidentiality?
Peer Counselors sign and uphold an ethics agreement. This is a very serious matter.

What kinds of things make someone an effective Peer Counselor?
Effective peer counselors have been found to possess the facilitative skills of:

Empathy
Genuineness
Respect for others
A commitment to helping others
The ability to interact with a variety of people
Willingness to accept standards of ethical conduct such a confidentiality
Willingness and ability to work within the philosophy and goals of the program

Who are the advisors for Peer Counseling?

Dr. Katherine White
Dr. Lynn Cherry
Guy Ilagan
Lindsey Barr

Must I complete the training if I have completed peer counselor training elsewhere?
Yes

What do I do if someone poses a serious threat of harm to self/others?
The training (and manual) covers protocol for quick response to serious situations.