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Talking Out: Peers supporting peers Peer counseling programs for high school students in Asheville Buncombe County

The Problem. School counseling programs are understaffed and underfundedStudents are reluctant to use school counseling services because :They are embarrassedThey don't want to be discoveredThey feel their problems are insignificantThey don't want to discuss their problems with adults. The Solution.

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Talking Out: Peers supporting peers Peer counseling programs for high school students in Asheville Buncombe County

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    1. Talking Out: Peers supporting peers Peer counseling programs for high school students in Asheville & Buncombe County By Team James Burke Leadership Asheville 27 Marilyn Ball, Kyley Ferris, Jim Pritchett, Brian Repass, Carl Donovan

    2. The Problem School counseling programs are understaffed and underfunded Students are reluctant to use school counseling services because : They are embarrassed They don’t want to be discovered They feel their problems are insignificant They don’t want to discuss their problems with adults

    3. The Solution Peer Counseling is a great way to offer counseling to people without the stigma associated with seeing a therapist. This kind of service is especially good for one time needs, such as a stressful break up or a difficult semester. It allows issues to be addressed without being locked into going to a regular counselor, which is great since many people don't have issues that require long term psychological support.

    4. The Solution - continued It can also be great for people who are embarrassed by their issues or afraid of being discovered. There are issues people may not want to talk over with friends or parents (ie pregnancy or STI contraction), but having this service available ensures that they will get the help they need mentally and get referred somewhere that can work through the practical issues (ie, Planned Parenthood).

    5. What is Peer Counseling? A student assists other students of approximately the same age who share related values, experiences and lifestyles. Peer counselors can have a positive, supportive effect upon students no one else can. Students can relate to and accept suggestions for alternative patterns of behavior from peers who are struggling with similar feelings and problems.

    6. Benefits Of Peer Counseling Programs Expanded services and reduced costs because professionals are freed from other duties. Traditional counseling services enhanced by unique abilities and skills of peer helpers. Gain special insight into the needs and problems of the group being served. Creates a bridge for the gap between professionals and the diverse group they serve.

    7. How Other School Systems Describe Peer Counseling Programs: Honor, Compassion Spirituality, Vision Leadership, Integrity, Courage Quality, Transparency Vision is most drawing force Leaders have to own the vision Highly Accountable Fun

    8. How Other School Systems Describe Peer Counseling Programs: Team Building, Flexible, Smart people Consensus, Encouraging, Respect, Admit mistakes, Open mind, Helping Infra structure, Courage to lead and to follow Humility, Knowledge, Engaging No whining, Collaborate Can-do attitude, Abundance

    9. Successful Peer Counseling Programs Central High School Champaign, IL 217-351-3911/3914 Tiffany Johnson Broward Co Schools (FL) 754-321-2566 Stephani Weaver EARS Program Cornell University 607-255-EARS Theresa Schwanke EARS Outreach Programs 607-254-8598

    10. Local Contacts Latessa Johnson Student Services-Asheville City Schools 828-350-6160 Dr. Calvin Kelley Counselor- Asheville, NC 828-808-7879

    11. Local Resources Mediation Center Asheville, NC Megan Leshak 828-251-6089 mleshak@mediatebuncombe.org The Listening Project Burnsville, NC Usha Ruark 828-675-5933 rsvplp@yancey.main.nc.us

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