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 | / / Viewing Peer Listener Handbook
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| Problem Solving
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Republished with permission from the Whitman College Peer Listener Handbook
Note: The handbook is an excellent resource, especially when listening in person,
however it does not perfectly mesh with LiveWire's "Peer Answers" philosophy.
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REMINDERS FOR HELPING WITH PROBLEMS
- All people have problems throughout their lives - some big, some small.
- We each "own" our own problems and are responsible for our actions. No one else can solve our problems for us.
- When you take over someone else's problems and give him/her a solution, the person learns nothing. Although the person may feel relieved at the time, he/she becomes dependent on you for solutions and doesn't develop his/her own skills. When you find yourself continually "rescuing" other people from their problems, ask yourself if you are trying to make the world depend on you.
- When someone talks to you about a problem, listen to what they are asking for - they may want you to just listen. Not everyone is looking for help in solving a problem.
- Believe in people! We all have wonderful potential for finding and getting what we want and need.
STEPS TO PROBLEM SOLVING
- Look at past coping attempts. What has worked in the past? What has he/she tried so far? Try to determine what would be effective and why.
- Determine what resources your peer possesses. Help identify their internal and external resources.
- Check the placement of responsibility. Make sure both of you are aware that you are there to help develop solutions, not to solve their problems for them.
- Have your peer explore the options. Once options are labeled, have your peer list the advantages and disadvantages to each one.
- Plan. Help your peer develop a concrete plan of action and implementation.
- Explore possible failure. What will your peer do if the plan does not work or has different outcomes?
- Make referrals. If other resources are needed, provide them to your peer.
- Encourage your peer to talk with you again.
[ Return to Handbook Index ]
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