Peer Educator Workshops

Dear UCI Students,

At some point in your life you may have found yourself concerned about a good friend or colleague but were unsure how to approach and support this person. We at the Counseling Center believe that you can, in many cases, play a significant role in assisting someone you care about to get the help that she or he needs.

Friends Helping Friends seminars, presented by the UCI Counseling Center Peer Educators, provide psycho-educational advice and training for students who are interested in increasing their social, self-management and helping skills. The seminars, covering a wide range of topics, will assist you in developing skills that will enable you to identify and support a friend in distress. There is no cost for this program and it is open to all UCI students.
If you have any questions, please stop by the UCI Counseling Center or call (949) 824-6457


“Living Together”
Tuesday, April, 21, 2009; 7-8:00pm
Crescent Bay Rm. C & D, Student Center
For many of us, the college experience includes living with other people. This workshop is designed to help you develop a better relationship with your roommate(s) and make living together a positive experience.

“Test Anxiety & Study Skills”
Wednesday, April 22, 2009; 7-8pm
Crescent Bay Rm. C & D, Student Center
Discover ways to reduce your anxiety and to better prepare for your exams. Overcome procrastination by setting your goals ahead of time.

“Stress Management”
Tuesday, April 28, 2009; 7-8pm
Crescent Bay Rm. C & D, Student Center
This interactive workshop will explore practical techniques that can help you alleviate stress and better manage your time. Come discover ways to cope with stress.

“Is My Friend Depressed? What Can I do?”
Wednesday, April 29, 2009; 7-8:30pm
Woods Cove Rm. B, Student Center
It is estimated that at any one time, 20% of the UCI population suffers from some symptoms of depression and that 3% meet the criteria for clinical depression. Topics will include recognizing the signs of depression and suicide ideation as well as how to support and assist a friend in need.

“Communications Skills”
Tuesday, May 5, 2009; 7-8:30pm
Crescent Bay Rm. C & D, Student Center
Communication is essential in many aspects of our lives. Come to our workshop and learn how to organize and express ideas clearly. Help build your self-esteem by listening, observing, interpreting, and understanding others. Our workshop will also help you gain public speaking skills and improve your interpersonal relationships.


“Abusive Relationships”
Wednesday, May 6, 2009; 7-8:30pm
Crescent Bay Rm. C & D, Student Center
Develop a clearer understanding of what an abusive relationship is and become familiar with the warning signs suggesting that you or a friend may be in or entering into one. Learn how to end and move on from a destructive relationship.

“Intimate Relationships”
Tuesday, May 12, 2009; 7-8pm
Crescent Bay Rm. C & D, Student Center
This interactive workshop will address the ways to maintain a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship. The primary focus will be on 1) the importance of understanding yourself and your needs regarding the relationship, and 2) the importance of good communication skills in a successful relationship.

“Helping a Friend with an Eating Disorder”
Wednesday, May 13, 2009; 7-8:30pm
Crescent Bay Rm. C & D, Student Center
Do you think that your friend may have an eating disorder but are not sure how to approach her or him? Learn to identify common behaviors among people who have eating disorders and receive suggestions on how you might assist your friend in getting the help she or he needs.

“Mediation Skills”
Tuesday, May 19, 2009; 7-8:30pm
Crescent Bay Rm. C & D, Student Center
We all have conflicts now and then but it is important to deal with potential disputes before they become key triggers of stress. This interactive workshop highlights effective ways to deal with conflict before it damages or destroys a relationship.

“Supporting a Grieving Friend”
Wednesday, May 20, 2009; 7-8pm
Crescent Bay Rm. C & D, Student Center
All loss is difficult to go through alone, the death of a loved family member, the loss of a cherished relationship, the loss of a highly expected opportunity. In this informative workshop, we will discuss ways to assist friends who suffer from grief or loss.



If you attend 5 sessions you get a certificate at the Friends Helping Friends banquet.