What is the purpose of orienting a peer?

The purpose of orienting a peer primarily centers around helping them understand the process and context. Orientation is a crucial step in peer counseling because it sets the foundation for the entire interaction. By providing clear information about what the peer can expect during the session, the counselor ensures that the peer feels informed and empowered.

This understanding can involve explaining the goals of the session, discussing the roles of both the peer and counselor, and detailing the methods that will be used. This clarity can alleviate anxiety or confusion that a peer may have, allowing them to engage more fully in the process.

In contrast, preparing someone emotionally for a session, creating rapport through shared experiences, or evaluating previous experiences may play supportive roles in the counseling setting, but they do not capture the primary focus of the orientation process. Orientation is fundamentally about equipping the peer with the knowledge they need to navigate the counseling experience effectively.