Peer Listeners
A Campus Mental Health and Stress Relief Resource
We're all ears
Whitman Peer Listeners is a student run organization through the Whitman College Counseling Center. Our mission is to foster emotional well-being on campus through programming and peer-to-peer interaction. We are available to discuss any and all issues that students may be dealing with.
Peer Listeners are trained in a variety of areas including listening skills, problem solving, and crisis management. We serve as an open network and community to all students. You may reach out to us at anytime by email, Plleaders@whitman.edu
Peer Listeners Weekly Meetings
• Wednesdays 8-9pm
• Counseling Center
About Our Meetings
During our meetings, we cover a variety of topics to help interested students become trained Peer Listeners. Each week we cover a different skill or subject that is essential for becoming a good listener and supportive peer. Topics covered in the training include active listening, questions and paraphrasing, feelings, problem solving, referrals, campus resources, and specific issues a peer may face including anxiety, depression, suicide, eating disorders, and others. For details check out our Peer Listeners Handbook on the Resources page.
Confidentiality
The Whitman Peer Listeners are a confidential service available to the Whitman campus. Matters discussed with a trained Peer Listener will stay between the peer and the Listener unless the Listener feels that the peer may harm themself or others. In that circumstance, the Listener is compelled by state law to report the matter to a trained professional. Students who visit the Peer Listeners and seek help with a problem are encouraged to return to the Peer Listener and let them know how the situation was resolved or has progressed; however, the student is not compelled to do so, and the student's decision will be respected.
If you have any questions please contact us.
Resources
We have compiled a list of mental health resources that includes both on-campus and off-campus resources as well as self-care tips and strategies. In addition to the resources below, RAs and RDs are great people to contact for support if problems arise and you are unsure how to deal with a situation. Residence life is knowledgeable about the various resources students can be directed to for different issues.
Documents
Peer Listeners Handbook
Peer Listening training is based on this handbook. You can download and print your own copy from here.
Drug and Alcohol Resource Information
Whitman College Student Resources
How to Help a Friend with Eating and Body Image Issues
How to Support a Friend-Sexual Assault
Links
- Whitman College Counseling Center
The Whitman College Counseling Center includes a selection of links for self-help, as well as information about the services that the center provides and how to make appointments. - National Institute of Mental Health
- Self-help links
- It Gets Better
24 Hour Hotlines
- The Trevor Helpline
Crisis and suicide prevention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
1-866-4-U-TREVOR
1-866-488-7386 - USA National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255 - GLBT National Hotline
Peer Counseling for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Individuals
1-888-THE-GLNH or 1-888-843-4564 - National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE - National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE(7233)
TTY: 1-800-787-3224
Local Resources
- Planned Parenthood
828 S 1st Ave
Walla Walla, WA 99362-4003
(509) 529-3570 - Walla Walla County Mental Health
209 S. 2nd
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 524-2920
Suicide hotline: (509) 522-4278 - YWCA Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Services
213 S. 1st
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 525-2570