Topic Tuesday // What online peer support looks like // Tues 16th July, 7pm-9pm AEST

[Former-Member]

@Former-Member Thank you so much for that input and perspective. I think the "unpopular opinions" actually sometimes is where the most layered and interesting reflections can come to fruition. I agree, some peers won't be interested in connecting, as in life; and it is important that we respect that reality as well. Thank you @Former-Member 

[Former-Member]

Moving onto the next question 🙂

I’m sure many of you are familiar with the concepts of reflective listening (sometimes called active listening) which are acknowledging what the other person is feeling; summarising back to them what you have understood; and asking any follow up questions about anything you are not sure you’ve understood.

How easy or hard do you find it to practice this way of listening, rather than jumping into “solution” mode?

[Former-Member]

Quite challenging. 

[BlueBay]

@Former-Member  I read the responses snd hear what they’re saying snd how they’re feeling. I’m pretty empathetic and I feel a lot for others. I find it hard to solve the problem. But I do empathise. 

[Adge]

Open-ended questions -

What gives you the most satisfaction or enjoyment?

What do you most like spending your time doing?

Adge

[Former-Member]

You have a lot of empathy @BlueBay absolutely, it's a very beautiful trait.

[BlueBay]

Thankyou @Former-Member  🙏

[CheerBear]

I have a pretty strong "fix it" mode with myself and with others, so I find it difficult not to jump into solving things or trying to make them better @Former-Member. Having people on the forum willing to sit with me through my tough times really helped me see how valuable it can be. (I still secretly want to fix everything though and fight myself not to jump into trying to 😉)

[Razzle]

Hi @Former-Member  and everyone else chatting tonight.

it depends on the day to how I react. If it’s a bad day I just affirm that I hear them.  If I feel like I can’t help myself then I’m a waste of time to be able to help others, so I don’t want to offer advice that may not be helpful.

if it’s a good day and I feel like I have my head together, then I offer a solution, or try to

[Former-Member]

@CheerBear Absolutely it's human nature to help isn't it 🙂 So the intent behind the fixing is beautiful in a way.