Unit Updates #4: Peer Counseling Unit
Over the past week, the Peer Counseling Unit [PCU] has introduced their trial members as official members! The workers of FIB are now entrusted in the arms of CrazyMRmidget, Thomas., anxiety, Syndikate, Ilayyy, Free, and Satyr.! The unit, though new, has been gathering a lot of appointments lately, so we decided to check in on how they are doing as a unit and how each of the workers are unique!
PCU is a group of F.I.B members dedicated to giving FIB workers the counseling and advice they need. Furthermore, they thrive to help anyone seeking advice. What things can you bring to the unit?
Thomas.: The thing I can bring to PCU is experience. The reason I can bring “experience” is that I've been through many talks, so I know what to do and what to say depending on the situation.
anxiety: I can bring personal experience to the unit as I suffer from mental health myself and I have been through some difficult times myself. I will be able to understand my client's issues and then have the ability to give them advice on coping mechanisms that might help relieve their worries and stress.
Ilayyy: I’d like to give members a place to express their feelings and an opportunity to speak to any of us about how to overcome their issues in a safe and calm environment.
Barbatos.: I guess we’re going to have to see what I can bring to this unit.
What drove you to join this unit? What did you want to take and learn from PCU?
Thomas.: I joined PCU because I like the feeling of helping people. I also like giving advice and seeing a person progress through their problems and hopefully watch them get resolved.
anxiety: What drove me into joining this unit is the thought that I want people to feel like they’re actually being listened to. If they feel like they’re being listened to, then they may be able to feel more comfortable about being open with me. I wanted to take and learn more about each worker of FIB as each member is special in their own ways. After being able to calm down Brynn and receiving praise from Brie that is when I realized PCU is for me.
Ilayyy: I was encouraged to join PCU as I wasn’t apart of any unit before I applied, and I thought it was best suited for me as I enjoy helping people out and giving them the ‘informal support’ that they needed. Also, one thing I wanted to learn from PCU is different ways to help Individuals going through different situations.
Barbatos.: I actually was the one that suggested creating it. Lauren has been doing an awesome job making FIB and PCU a better experience for all boon members. I want to be able to expand my knowledge of problems that people have and go through so that way whenever a friend or stranger hits me with some right hook that I wasn’t expecting, I’ll already have the advice to give them.
What personal motto do you have that relates to PCU?
Thomas.: My own personal motto is “You will never know your limits until you push yourself to them.”
anxiety: I think the personal motto that I like the most is “Expect the Best. Prepare for the Worst.”
Ilayyy: “To always sprinkle a little kindness wherever you go because you never know who may need it.”
Barbatos.: I don’t have a personal motto no. However, I have gone through my own personal experiences.
With that in mind, as the first group of PCU members, what words of encouragement do you have for those planning to join or those trying to seek advice?
Thomas.: If you doubt yourself about joining because you don't think you're good at giving advice, give it a try, because you never know whose life you can change.
anxiety: If you want to join but don’t think you’ll get in, just risk it all as you might succeed, sometimes it’s nice to take risks. If you need to seek advice, we’ll always be here for you any time zone, any day, any time, any place. You’ll never be alone while we’re around.
Ilayyy: If you would like to join PCU, then go for it! There’s nothing bad about taking risks and helping each other. If you are someone that’s trying to seek advice, then know that you are always welcome to come and speak to anyone you wish, about a situation, and know that you will not be judged.
Barbatos.: Currently our applications are full, but if you want to speak to any of us, schedule an appointment on the website! We’d be more than happy to talk to anyone and everyone.