What is the purpose of reflective listening in peer support?

Reflective listening is a critical skill in peer support, and its primary purpose is to enhance understanding through restatement. This technique involves actively listening to what the speaker is expressing and then paraphrasing or restating their thoughts and feelings. By doing so, it demonstrates to the speaker that they are being heard and understood, fostering deeper communication.

Reflective listening helps validate the speaker's feelings and encourages them to explore their thoughts more thoroughly. It also allows the peer supporter to clarify any misunderstandings and ensures accurate communication, thereby promoting a supportive and trusting environment. This skill contributes to building rapport and can lead to a more effective and meaningful exchange between peers.

In contrast, dominating the conversation, summarizing information inaccurately, or sidetracking the speaker do not align with the goals of reflective listening, which is focused on empathy, understanding, and support.