OLDER ADULTS

Senior Peer Counseling

Contact: Howard Lader

24 Second Avenue, San Mateo
(650) 403-4300 Ext 4322

The Senior Peer Counseling Program trains volunteers to provide free one-on-one and group peer counseling to older adults in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Filipino, and to the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) community. The program aims to improve the ability of ethnically and culturally diverse older adults in San Mateo County to live in community-based settings and to help them enjoy the highest possible quality of life. Volunteers are currently being sought.

Based on principles of self-help and mutual aid, the program seeks to develop a bond of trust between people of similar age, experience, values, wisdom, and culture.

Volunteer peer counselors complete an extensive nine week training session before they are matched with seniors seeking counseling. The 54-hour training program emphasizes listening skills and development, and will include topics such as: basic counseling skills; self-awareness; substance abuse; understanding depression; building effective communication; sexuality; family
systems; and county resources. Senior peer counselors are asked to give a one year commitment and typically will meet with clients one hour per week at a mutually agreeable location. To further their development, peer counselors will attend bi-weekly consultation meetings with a licensed supervisor and periodic in-service training sessions at Family Service.