Psychology Club At Padrón Campus Starts Peer Listening Program

Psych Force, the psychology club at the Eduardo J. Padrón Campus started an initiative that uses peer-to-peer activities such as active listening to advocate for mental health awareness. 

“It has been very enriching and eye-opening,” said Isabela Morales, the president of Psych Force and a second-year psychology student. 

The Peer Listener Program started four months ago. Each Psych Force member underwent 35 hours of training through the National Council of Mental Wellbeing to learn how to deal with stress, problem-solve and be effective active listeners. 

They assist students by referring them to outside resources and providing a safe environment to unwind and speak about their troubles and experiences. However, the service is not considered counseling.  

“[The program has] opened my mind to different types of communications because when we communicate with friends and family, it is different than when we communicate with a stranger,” said Mayumi Kanashiro, the vice president of Psych Force and a second-year sociology student.

Psych Force hosts sessions on Wednesdays from noon to 2 p.m. in front of the student life building in partnership with Wellness Wednesdays, an event hosted by Single Stop and the YES! For Environmental Sustainability Club.

In addition, appointments for peer listening sessions can be booked via email at psychforce.epc@gmail.com. They can take place virtually or in-person. Sessions are confidential. 

“In my experience, sometimes getting help is not easy,” said Erika Hernandez, a peer listener and first-year psychology student. “I really hope the [students] gain peace of mind because the more you mature, things get stressful and I just hope they find [the program] to be a safe place and to know that they are not alone.”

Although the program is currently taking place at Padrón Campus, Psych Force is hoping to branch out the service to all MDC campuses. 

“Peer listening and mental health are important,” Kanashiro said. “We are young adults and we are still figuring out our likes and dislikes, and sometimes we just need someone to listen to us.”

For more information about Psych Force or the Peer Listening Program, contact Miriam Abety at mabety@mdc.edu.