Thirty-three psychology students and four guidance associates together with their director participated in the two-morning sessions of the Beginning EARS (Empathy, Assistance, and Referral Services) training last January 14 and 15, 2010. EARS is a student-run organization of Cornell University that offers counseling, training and workshops (http://ears.dos.cornell.edu).
Mr. Nick Alayon, the Guidance Services Center director, inspired the participants with his opening remarks. He stressed that empathy is not just putting oneself into the shoes of the other but is something far beyond. Empathy is entering the world of another human being and experiencing the world in that perspective.
The first session focused on the attitudes and attending behaviors peer counselors possess. These behaviors are a great help in the efficiency of the counseling process especially in its initial stages. The following sessions further immersed the participants into the realm of counseling.
According to the psychology students, the two – morning sessions were very inspiring and very helpful for them as peer counselors.
Ms. Lucille Arcedas, who had completed the first level of the EARS training at Cornell University, facilitated the training.
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