The Chaplaincy to the Filipino Migrants in Hong Kong organised a workshop seminar on peer counselling on January 25 in the parish hall of the St. Jude’s Church, North Point. The event was attended by around 250 members from different communities. Invited speakers were Maria Judith Puentespina, who was assisted by her daughter, Ruth Judea Puentespina.
The event started with an opening prayer led by Sister Regina Lito pddm, spiritual adviser of the St. Jude’s English-speaking Community and a welcome address by Father Jay Flandez svd, chaplain of the Filipino Migrants Chaplaincy.
Puentespina explained that peer counselling is a helping process that involves a one-on-one interaction or an interaction between members of a group who have several things in common.
Puentespina mentioned the necessary qualities of a peer counsellor is to be a good listener who is empathetic and sensitive.
She encouraged people to practice listening first without judgement, or giving opinion and advice. She explained that according to American educator Stephen R. Covey, there are five levels of listening: ignoring, pretending to listen, selective listening, attentive listening, and empathetic listening.
She said it is also important that the counsellor listens with empathy, instead of listening selectively, and focus entirely on what the other person is saying with undivided attention and offer assistance appropriately.
She invited the audience to ask open-ended questions and avoid questions that will be answered by a “yes” or “no” only. And such questions should be able to encourage a person to speak up or clarify themselves.
Cecilia Golez from St. Francis Parish, Ma On Shan, said she attended this workshop because many people are coming for advice and she wants to respond with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Aurea Reyes, from the Holy Family parish, said, “We are here because the Holy Spirit brought us here. We are all overseas workers and we need counselling skills to help one another.” She added that counselling others can help herself as well and she may use the skills to help her family.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
El Shaddai member, Rene Pasamante, mentioned that overseas workers may suffer from depression or even commit suicide due to the lack of peer counselling or support from people around them and this workshop is a correct way of learning how to give timely help.
Cleo Regala from the Holy Cross Church in Sai Wan Ho said being a member of the apostolate mission of the Legion of Mary she goes for crowd contact and she needs to give advice to those in need from time to time. She said the workshop is a good opportunity to learn.
The day’s activity was closed with a Mass celebrated by Father Flandez.
