Guide to Peer Counseling - by Jewel Rumley Cox (Paperback)

About the Book

Peer counseling is the process by which an individual gives nonjudgmental, nondirective support to a peer who is experiencing a personal crisis. It is short-term, often done by telephone, and provided by a lay person rather than a professional therapist. Containing abundant de...

Book Synopsis

Peer counseling is the process by which an individual gives nonjudgmental, nondirective support to a peer who is experiencing a personal crisis. It is short-term, often done by telephone, and provided by a lay person rather than a professional therapist. Containing abundant demonstrative case examples, this book is designed to provide the skills necessary to counsel from the initial needs assessment (for resources like food, shelter, medical care, physical protection, or unconditional support) through the conduct of a session (how to start and end one, identifying and reflecting clients' feelings, typical roadblocks, and confidentiality). It closes with special attention to handling crisis situations, like suicidal emergencies and counseling the dying. Ms. Cox has distilled the wisdom of more than twenty years as a peer counselor and trainer in this comprehensive and sound volume. Her know-how will endow prospective volunteers with confidence, and provide trainers with an invaluable tool for their instructional programs.

Review Quotes

A Guide to Peer Counseling is an invaluable tool for any mental health professional who is involved in training lay persons to do peer counseling. Based in the actual peer counseling experience of the author, the information and direction of the training will make for a better outcome for trainees than those books based solely on theoretical assumptions.

Mrs. Cox has written an insightful guide for the serious peer counselor. She offers practical advice from the perspective of an experienced volunteer who understands the challenges faced by lay persons providing counseling. This book belongs on the bookshelves of all peer counselors and the agencies that utilize their invaluable services.

About the Author

Jewel Rumley Cox has worked for over twenty years as a volunteer peer counselor in various community agencies in Tallahassee, Florida and Raleigh, North Carolina.