Peer counselling empowerment as a process by which people, organizations and communities gain mastery over their lives¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The paper defines peer counselling empowerment as "a process that relates the mechanism by which people, organizations and the community gain mastery over their lives". Drawing on Schwiebert and Giordano's account, the author argues that empowerment fosters realistic and positive beliefs in both peer counsellors and professional counsellors, builds trust in peer counsellors' competency and efficacy, and offers an intervention to establish life satisfaction, self-esteem and dignity across the life span. The networking relationship with the environment provides peer counsellors support, niches and opportunities for personal development.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Training programmes through which peer counsellors learn to reach out and assist people, under the close supervision of professional counsellors

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• peer counsellors in training

Target Learning Objectives¶

• active listening and problem-solving helping skills
• self-esteem, dignity and a sense of mastery over their lives

Claims¶

Related Theories¶

• Empowerment in counselling defined as a five-part process of awareness, skill and capacity, exercise, non-infringement, and support for others' empowerment
• McWhirter's four-requirement empowerment model as a framework for adventure therapy programs

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Zakaria, N. S. (2007). Peer Counselling Empowerment and Ethical Considerations. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED499793