On the Retreat you will get to know "Peer Counseling" and learn how to use this tool yourself (seee handout).
Peer Counseling is a consultative method (originally: "Kollegiale Fallberatung") which aims at problem solving in the group. The starting point is a case on a real topic that one person brings to the group. Potential cases are multifaceted and may be career prospects, work-life balance, group dynamics or conflicts, etc.
This tool follows a structured approach in defined phases and the following defined roles for the participants:
- case presenter brings in a real and relevant topic or issue to the group
- counseling colleagues ask questions, share ideas, refrain from judging
- moderator ensures time management and adherence to the structure
The phases of Peer Counseling are the following:
1) Case description: One person brings in his/her case/topic
2) Clarifying questions: The group asks questions to better understand the case. No suggestions or advice should be given yet
3) Formulation of the assignment: The presenter states what they hope to gain from the consultation (e.g., new ideas, perspectives) and formulates the “assignment” or “key question”.
4) Consultation: The group discusses the case without the presenter participating by using certain methods.
5) Feedback to the presenter: The participants briefly share their most important insights, thoughts, or suggestions.
6) Conclusion: The presenter reflects on the input: What was helpful? What is taken away from the session?
One round takes about 45-60 minutes.
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For further information, please find suggestions of literature:
Behrens, Rico/ Besand, Anja/ Breuer, Stefan (2021): Political education in reactionary times. Plea for a steadfast school, Frankfurt/ M.: Wochenschau, pp. 323-325.
Tietze, Kim-Oliver (2015): Collegial counseling. Developing problem solutions together, Reinbek/Hamburg: Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verlag.
