It’s easy to hear someone’s words without fully understanding their feelings. Active listening means giving someone your full attention, reflecting on what they say, and avoiding judgment. Simple responses like “I hear you” or “That sounds really tough” let your friend know you’re truly listening.
Empathy is about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, while validation is letting them know their feelings are okay. Together, these skills can make a friend feel more comfortable sharing with you. Even if you don’t fully understand their experience, saying, “That makes sense; I’d feel the same in your situation” can go a long way.
It’s important to be there for friends, but also to know your own limits. Knowing how to set boundaries kindly—like saying, “I’m here for you, but I also need to recharge”—is a skill that helps protect your mental health and strengthens friendships by being honest.
Sometimes friends just want to vent rather than hear advice. A good way to help is by asking questions like, “Would you like advice or just someone to listen?” That way, your friend feels in control of the conversation and supported without feeling overwhelmed by solutions.
Part of being a supportive friend is knowing when to encourage a friend to seek professional help or use resources. This could mean suggesting they talk to a counselor, offering to accompany them to the school’s wellness center, or just letting them know it’s okay to ask for help.
Through PPA workshops, we’ll practice these skills in real-life scenarios so you can feel confident supporting friends, making a positive impact, and knowing when to seek help for yourself.
