Welcome to Bowen Peer Support Leaders Microsite

Helping A Friend NEEDING SUPPORT

Brené Brown on Empathy

Empathy has 4 qualities:

(a) Perspective-taking

(b) Staying out of Judgment

(d) Being able to communicate the emotions recognised

Preparing to Support A Friend with S.O.L.E.R.

S.O.L.E.R is a framework that shows us how to adopt appropriate body language when conversing with people, in distress, to make them feel comfortable, secure, and understood.

This shows them that we are focused and that we care about their concerns.

This conveys the impression that we are friendly and approachable.

This shows our sincerity to them.

This assures them that we are paying attention to their concerns.

This ensures that we remain comfortable.

Using 'CHEER' to support a friend experiencing difficult Emotions

CHEER is a model that gives us suggestion of what we should say and do when conversing with people in distress.

Calm them down - Let them have some time to cool themselves down. Help them sit down, get them to take a sip of water and breath slowly and deadly. Ask them to count backwards from 20.

Hear them out - Listen to them without judgement. Help them describe what happened. Ask them what they do and how they felt.

Empathize with them - Put yourself in their shoes to understand their perspectives. Be fully present for them.

Encourage seeking help - Suggest to them that they can talk to a trusted adult about their concerns. Ask them with whom would they like to do that.

Refer to a trusted adult - Sound out your worries about your friend to a trusted adult. Let your form teacher, year head or care teacher know.

Positive language

Saying the right thing when Supporting a friend

How To Be A Good Listener

Listening is something we’re very reluctant to do, not because we’re lazy, but because we have never actually been taught how to do it properly, in a way that can be interesting and rewarding for us.

7 Things to Say to Someone With Depression

Depression is a very sensitive matter. and no matter how good your intentions might be, you could end up saying the wrong things and making them feel worse. So, if you want to have a better idea about how to talk to someone with depression, here are 7 Things to Say to Someone With Depression.

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