What does "active listening" entail in peer support?

Active listening is a communication technique that requires full concentration, engagement, and response to what the speaker is expressing. In the context of peer support, it involves not just hearing the words being spoken but also understanding the underlying feelings, emotions, and meanings behind those words. This level of attentiveness fosters an environment where individuals feel safe and validated, allowing them to share their thoughts and experiences more openly.

By fully concentrating, a peer support specialist can provide more empathetic and supportive responses, which is crucial for building trust and rapport. This technique goes beyond simply acknowledging the speaker; it requires the listener to be truly invested in the conversation, which can help in understanding the speaker's needs and emotions better.

In contrast, ignoring a speaker's emotions undermines the effectiveness of communication, while summarizing the session and directing the conversation towards solutions could be components of a discussion but do not capture the essence of active listening. The core of active listening is about being fully present and engaged with the speaker's experience.