A SENIOR PEER COUNSELING PROGRAM: EVALUATION OF TRAINING AND BENEFITS TO COUNSELORS

A study was conducted to evaluate the training component of a senior peer counseling program and its benefits to peer counselors. The intended focus of the program was on seniors experiencing depression, suicidal feelings, and other emotional crises. Seventeen out of 20 applicants were selected by a screening committee of social workers and mental health professionals. Of the 17 counselors selected for training, 3 males and 10 females, average age 65 years, completed the 72-hr program. The program was assessed by external evaluators using quantitative and qualitative methods. Counselors assessed with mild levels of depression at pretest scored in the normal range at posttest and reported a lower number of depressive symptoms. The ratings ascribed to the training components were consistently positive. The qualitative component included individual interviews to assess counselors' perceptions of the training program, the groups, their clients, and their roles as counselors. A content analysis revealed the dominant theme of personal experience. The components of this theme were categorized as the training experience, the group experience, experiencing the first client, and experiencing the "self as counselor." An analysis of the counselor interviews suggested that one of the major benefits of the training and counseling experience was increased self-confidence and self-efficacy.