# Active Listening — A Reading Guide for Peer Supporters

*Adapted for NIPE from public-domain frameworks published by the U.S. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the World Health Organization (WHO) — all works of government or intergovernmental bodies in the public domain.*

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## 1. What active listening is

Active listening is the practice of receiving what another person shares — words, tone, body language, and emotion — without rushing to solve, judge, or redirect. It signals: *"You are being heard."*

## 2. The four building blocks

1. **Attend.** Face the person. Soften your posture. Put your phone away. Signal presence.
2. **Reflect.** Mirror short pieces of what you heard — in your own words. "It sounds like today felt really heavy."
3. **Clarify.** Ask open questions. "What was hardest about it?" — never "why did you…?"
4. **Validate.** Name the feeling as legitimate. "That makes sense given what happened."

## 3. What to avoid

- Interrupting to share your own story.
- Fixing before feelings are heard ("just try to…").
- Minimising ("everyone goes through this").
- Reassurance that skips the pain ("you'll be fine!").

## 4. A 60-second script you can use

> "I'm here. Take your time. Do you want me to just listen, or would you like ideas?"

Then wait. Silence is not empty — it is space.

## 5. When to loop in an adult

If a peer shares thoughts of self-harm, suicide, abuse, or is in immediate danger, tell a trusted adult (school counsellor, teacher, parent). You are a support, not a substitute for care.

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**Sources (public domain):**
- WHO, *Psychological First Aid: Guide for Field Workers* (2011).
- SAMHSA, *A Practical Guide to Psychological First Aid* materials.
- NIH / NIMH, adolescent mental-health public health guidance.