Body&Soul

Peer Counselor’s 

Handbook
INTRODUCTION TO PEER COUNSELING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

THE FOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

ASKING OPEN QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

LISTENING AND REFLECTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

BUILDING MOTIVATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

SUMMARIZING THOUGHTS AND PLANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

GETTING STARTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

PEER COUNSELOR TOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

PEER COUNSELING ROAD MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

STARTERS FOR OPEN QUESTIONS AND REFLECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

VALUES SHEET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

IMPORTANCE AND CONFIDENCE RULERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

SELF-ASSESSMENT FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BEING A PEER COUNSELOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

NUTRITION INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Table of Contents

Body&Soul

Peer Counselor’s 

Handbook
Respecting the Privacy of Others

Respecting the privacy of others is a very important

part of being a Peer Counselor. People will open up 

to you more readily if they trust that what they share

with you will remain confidential. Do not discuss these

conversations with anyone, not even your family or

other church members. 

If you think any of the people you counsel might 

benefit from other services at your church or in your

community (such as grief counseling or a meals program), you may give their names to the appropriate

person at your church (e.g., the Peer Counseling

Coordinator). But be sure to get their permission first.

Congratulations on your selection as a Peer Counselor!

Your work will help members of your church improve

their health by eating better. 

What Is Peer Counseling?

Peer Counseling offers one-on-one attention and 

support to those who have signed up to receive it. It

has successfully helped members of African American

churches take the first step toward good health by

adding more fruits and vegetables to their diet. 

In the training, you will learn four communication skills

that will make it easier to talk with members of your

church about eating more fruits and vegetables. These

four skills are: 

1. Asking open questions 

2. Listening and Reflecting 

3. Building motivation

4. Summarizing thoughts and plans

Using the Peer Counselor’s Handbook 

The Peer Counselor’s Handbook was designed to 

help you be an effective Peer Counselor. Use it 

with the training movie to learn and practice the 

communication skills.

This Handbook contains:

• Information about the four communication skills.

• All of the points made in the movie are also in your

handbook. There is space for you to take notes.

• Exercises that will help you practice these 

communication skills. 

• Peer Counselor tools to help guide you through

conversations with church members.

• Resources about the benefits of eating more fruits

and vegetables. 

• Frequently asked questions about being 

a Peer Counselor. 

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 2

Tips for Using this Handbook

• Look through this handbook before the training

workshop. The more familiar you are with what

peer counseling is, the more you will gain from 

the training. 

• Use this handbook as a resource. It will guide

you as you begin to serve as a Peer Counselor. 

Introduction

The Spirit of Peer Counseling 

• Peer Counselors use a style of communication

that is open, supportive, and not judgmental. 

• Peer Counselors help people create their own

plans for change. They generally give no advice 

and don’t push people into changes they are not

ready to make.

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper 

and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

3 John 1:2
This section contains information about the four 

communication skills that are presented in the movie.

Follow along as you watch the training movie. Take

notes and highlight sections that are important to you.

ASKING OPEN QUESTIONS

One of the skills important to being a Peer Counselor

is the ability to ask open questions.

What Is an Open Question?

Open questions:

• Can’t be answered with “yes” or “no” 

• Allow for a fuller, richer discussion 

• Are non-judgmental

• Let the people you counsel think out loud

• Allow them to do most of the talking, using their

own words

• Let them know the conversation is about them

What Is a Closed Question?

Closed questions:

• Can usually be answered with “yes” or “no.”

• Let the person who asks the question do most of

the talking.

• Can be judgmental because they can force a person

into a certain answer.

Answers to Open Questions

Answers to open questions often give a lot of 

information. For example, if you ask, “What do 

you think about eating more fruits and vegetables?”

people might tell you about:

• Their motivations or barriers

• Their health concerns 

• The influence of friends and family

• The impact of the pastor’s message 

Answers like these help you understand the people

you counsel. And the better your understanding, the

more able you are to support them as they work

toward a healthier diet.

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 3

Examples of Open and Closed Questions

Open

Why did you sign up for peer counseling?

Tell me about some fruits and vegetables you like 

to eat? 

What kinds of fruits and vegetables do you like?

How, if at all, have your eating habits changed 

over time? 

What would help you to eat more fruits and 

vegetables? 

Closed 

Are you interested in eating a healthier diet?

Do you want to eat more fruits and vegetables?

Do you like fruits and vegetables?

Do you still eat the same foods now as you did a few

years ago?

Is cost a problem for you? 

The Four Communication Skills

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple 

and that God’s Spirit lives in you?”

1 Corinthians 3:16
Starters for Open and Closed Questions Open questions start differently than closed questions. 

Open

Tell me about ...

To what extent ...

What else ...

Help me understand ...

How did you ...

What, if any ...

Closed questions:

• Let you do most of the talking

• Are very specific

• Stifle conversation

• Might imply the right answer

• Narrow the choices

• May force agreement

People respond to closed questions:

• With brief, yes/no answers

• Without explaining or opening up

Open questions:

• Let the other person talk

• Cast a broad net

• Keep the ball rolling

• Are not biased

• Make few assumptions

• Are not judgmental

People respond to open questions: 

• With more information

• In their own words

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 4

Closed

Do you ...

Will you ...

Can you ...

Is it ...

Did you ...

Are you ...

SUMMARY OF ASKING OPEN QUESTIONS
PRACTICE EXERCISES 

This exercise is also on the movie. You can use this

sheet with the movie or you can use it to review your

skills at a different time. 

Exercise 1: How would you turn these closed

questions into open ones? 

1. Do you like fruit?

Open ended:

2. Do you enjoy trying new fruits and vegetables?

Open ended: 

3. Is it difficult for you to find time to cook?

Open ended: 

4. Does your family eat vegetables regularly?

Open ended: 

5. Are you ready to start eating more fruits and 

vegetables?

Open ended:

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 5

Exercise 2: Everyday Questions 

1. Listen to the questions that reporters ask on the TV

news. Are the questions mainly open or closed?

How does the type of question affect the answer?

2. When TV commercials try to sell you a product, do

they ask mainly closed or open questions? Why?

3. Pay attention to the people around you at home, 

at work, or while traveling. What kinds of questions

do they ask? How does the type of question

encourage conversation, or cut it short?

4. Pay attention to your own questions. Do you 

usually ask open or closed ones? 

5. Try to change some of your closed questions to

open ones. For example, say, “What happened

today?” instead of, “Did you have a good day?”

When you ask more open questions, do people

share more information with you? 

6. Practice changing closed questions to open ones

when you get together with other Peer Counselors. 
LISTENING AND REFLECTING 

Reflective listening is like holding a mirror up as people

speak. It allows them to hear aloud things they may

have only been thinking about. It also helps to show

that you understand what they have said.

What Is Reflective Listening?

Reflective listening:

• Is active listening – listening carefully to the words

that are spoken and to the emotions that may be

behind those words.

• Keeps people thinking and talking. 

• Forces you to listen – you can’t reflect if you’re 

not paying attention.

A reflection is a statement that:

• Reflects, as a mirror does, what people have said 

or what they are feeling.

• Lets you check that you understand what has been

shared and shows your desire to understand.

• Opens the door for people to keep talking.

A reflection is not:

• Giving advice

• A question

How Peer Counselors Use Reflective Listening 

Peer Counselors:

• Listen and reflect what they hear.

• Remain supportive and non-judgmental. 

• Help people find their own solutions by letting them

sift through their thoughts and feelings. This can

help them set realistic goals and decide how to

achieve them. 

• Don’t give advice or try to solve problems.

Reflective Listening vs. Giving Advice: 

Examples from the movie

In the movie, Nanette and Belinda speak together after

church. Belinda tells Nanette that the pastor’s sermon

has her thinking about changing how she eats.

In the first example, Nanette gives Belinda advice

instead of listening. Belinda then argues against the

advice and changes the topic.

Belinda: Girl, y’know, Pastor got me thinking today about

how I eat. My blood pressure being high and all.

Nanette: You’re right. You’d better do something. You saw

what happened to Deacon Smith? 

Belinda: Right out of the blue.

Nanette: I’m telling you, what did he say today in the 

service? “You better stop eating that greasy food.”

Belinda: I know you’re right. But it’s not that easy. I mean,

who has time to shop and eat right, and buy the right thing.

In the second example, Nanette uses reflective listening

to help Belinda solve her problem by herself.

Belinda: Girl, y’know, Pastor got me thinking today about

how I eat. My blood pressure being high and all.

Nanette: Sounds like the pastor really got to you today.

Belinda: Yes, he did. You know, it’s really something about

that body/temple connection.

Nanette: Yeah, the pastor’s message about the 

body/temple connection, it’s made you want to eat 

a little healthier.

Belinda: Yeah, I think I’m ready for myself, but I’m not

sure about the kids. They’re kind of impossible to cook

for because they don’t go for that healthy stuff.

Nanette: So, girl, what you’re telling me is that the kids

need to eat healthier, but for right now that’s going to take

some time. So, you ready to start for yourself?

Belinda: Yeah, I think I am ready to start for myself. I think

I better take care of myself first.

Nanette: So, tell me about some of those ideas you’re

gonna try.

Belinda: Well, at work, in the afternoon, maybe I could eat

an apple instead of chips, and I could eat a banana for

breakfast in the morning.

Nanette: Hmm. Sounds like a piece of fruit is the way to go.

Belinda: Yeah, I think I could do that.

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 6

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit,

who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

1 Corinthians 6: 19-20
Notice how Nanette listens to Belinda and then

responds with a statement that reflects, as a mirror

does, what Belinda has just said. Nanette does not

respond with her own thoughts on what Belinda

should do.

By using reflective listening, Nanette:

• Lets Belinda know that she has heard her concerns.

• Lets Belinda know the discussion is about her.

• Gives Belinda a chance to hear what she has just

said, stated a little differently.

• Lets Belinda think through her own thoughts and

feelings about what she wants to do.

• Gives Belinda support for the plan she has come up

with on her own.

Summary: Reflective Listening

Reflections:

• Can be about what was said, or about the emotions

behind what was said 

• Move you closer to a better understanding of the

key issues involved

• Show that you are listening and that the person’s

thoughts and feelings matter to you 

• Encourage conversation

• Build rapport

• Don’t need to be perfect

Reflections let you:

• Learn more

• Be supportive

• Be non-judgmental 

Reflections let the person:

• Voice thoughts or feelings they may not have talked

about before 

• Feel understood

• Feel accepted without judgement

• Hear their thoughts and feelings restated

• Make themselves clear by adding to or changing

what they have said

• Talk about all sides of an issue 

• Set realistic goals and decide how to achieve them

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 7

Reflective Listening Tips

Here are some ideas for using reflective listening:

• Reflections end with a drop in the voice, not an

upturn. An upturn makes a reflection sound like 

a question. Listen to how the Peer Counselors in 

the movie use their voices.

• Don’t worry about being perfect. There are 

many possible reflections to every statement. 

You’ll still get useful information even if you don’t

get it quite right.

• If you’re confused about what the person means,

you might say: “I’m not sure I fully understand what

you mean. Let me see if I have this right ...”

• It’s OK if the person says “no.” Use no’s as a clue

to change direction.

• Some people may make statements like, “God

loves me no matter what I eat.” A simple reflection

such as, “You feel certain of God’s love” will keep

the conversation going in a positive direction.

• Avoid phrases like “you need” and “you have a

problem.” These sound judgmental.

• Avoid phrases like “you could” and “you should.”

These phrases are lead-ins to giving advice. 

• Remember, just thinking about eating more 

fruits and vegetables may be a good first step for

some people.
PRACTICE EXERCISES

Exercise 1: Dropping Your Voice

Practice letting your voice drop at the end of this sentence: “So getting your kids to eat healthier foods may

take some time.” Keep saying it until you have a feel

for letting your voice drop. Then have a friend listen to

make sure that you are making a statement, instead of

asking a question.

Exercise 2: Making Reflections

Below is a list of things people might say during a discussion about eating more fruits and vegetables. How

would you reflect on what they have shared? Write

your reflections in the spaces provided. 

You can use this sheet with the movie or you can use it

to review your skills at a different time.

Example: “I’d eat more fruit if I could buy it at work!” 

Reflection: You would like to eat more fruit, but you

can’t buy it at work. OR You can’t buy fruit at work.

1. I eat lots of fruit and vegetables in the summer, but

not the rest of the year. 

Reflection: 

2. My mother always told me to eat lots of fruits 

and vegetables if I wanted to grow up to be strong

and healthy.

Reflection: 

3. Living alone, I find I just don’t cook the way I used to.

Reflection: 

4. I used to eat lots of fruit, but then I found out I

have diabetes. 

Reflection: 

5. I know they’re good for me, but I just don’t have

time to prepare them.

Reflection: 

Exercise 3: Look Around You 

1. Create reflections for statements you find in newspapers or magazines.

2. Pay attention to the discussions going on around

you. What happens when people give advice? Does

the advice encourage or cut off conversation? Do

you think it will be followed?

3. Pay attention to your own talks. Do you usually

share your thoughts and feelings, or do you listen

and reflect? 

4. Try to change your own style to one where you 

listen more and respond with reflections. Does the

change affect how much people share with you? 

5. Practice making reflections when you get together

with other Peer Counselors.

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 8
Tips for Discussing Values

Here are some ways to discuss values:

• Stay neutral/non-judgmental. Some people

will see the tie between their values and eating

habits. Others won’t. That’s OK. Even if you think

there is a clear link between a person’s values and

eating more fruits and vegetables, avoid saying so.

It’s important for people to make the connection

for themselves. 

• Reflect. Be sure to make reflections while people

are discussing their values. This shows that you are

listening and that you understand the reasons for

their choices. 

BUILDING MOTIVATION

Peer Counselors help people build motivation by: 

• Connecting personal values to a healthier diet 

• Identifying the perceived benefits and barriers to

eating more healthfully 

• Boosting confidence to take action

Motivation and Values

Values are our principles – like being there for family,

or doing God’s will. Ideally, they shape the choices 

we make. Values are often at the heart of making

healthy lifestyle choices. When people discover that

healthy eating is related to their values, it’s often easier

for them to find the motivation to put their beliefs

into action.

How Peer Counselors Use Values

As a Peer Counselor, you can help people think about

the values that guide their lives. In general, people

really enjoy talking about their values. Often, this 

exercise helps them think about whether there is a tie

between their values and their eating habits. When

they see a link, this can help to build motivation for

change. You can help them:

• Identify their core values by using the Values Sheet

(page 19). 

• Understand why these values are important to

them.

• Decide what link, if any, they see between their 

values and eating more fruits and vegetables. 

We see the role of values in the conversation between

Belinda and Nanette in the movie. The pastor’s sermon

has shown Belinda that her eating habits do not give

proper respect to her body as a temple of His Holy

Spirit. In talking with Nanette, she decides to eat more

fruits and vegetables to bring her actions in line with

her beliefs.

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 9

“Cast not away your confidence,

which hath great recompense of reward.”

Hebrews 10:35
PRACTICE EXERCISE

Exercise: Using the Values Sheet

Fill in the Values Sheet below. It will help you understand the key issues involved in discussing values.

Step 1. Look at the values below. Mark the 3 that 

you feel are most important to you in guiding the 

decisions you make in your life.

Spirituality, to grow and mature spiritually 

Family, to have a happy, loving family

God’s will, to follow God’s plan for me

Good Christian, to follow the teachings of the Bible

Health, to be physically well 

Responsible, to do what I said I would do

Disciplined, to do what is right

Independent, to be able to meet my own needs 

Considerate, to be thoughtful of others

Honesty, to be truthful in all areas of my life

Inner peace, to feel a sense of quiet/calmness 

within me

Friendship, to be a good friend and have close, 

supportive friends

Helpfulness, to reach out to others 

Loving, to give and receive love 

Hopeful, to remain positive in my view of the world

Other_______________________________________

Step 2. What does each of the values you chose mean

to you?

1.

2.

3.

Step 3. What connection, if any, do you see between any

of your values and eating more fruits and vegetables?

Step 4. What reflections would you make about your

response above? 

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 10
Motivation — Building Importance and Confidence.

Motivation is a combination of importance and 

confidence: 

Importance means how important it is to a person to

eat more fruits and vegetables. The level of importance

is based on the personal benefits they see to eating

more fruits and vegetables. Often, a person sees the

benefits of healthy eating, but they may have other

needs or priorities in their lives.

Confidence means how confident or sure a person 

is about their ability to change their eating habits.

Confidence is key to making changes. People 

sometimes feel less confident because they have 

barriers, such as not knowing how to prepare 

vegetables. Taking small steps that lead to larger goals

can help increase confidence.

How Peer Counselors Use Motivation 

Talking about importance and confidence can be a

turning point in the conversation. Peer Counselors

should discuss both issues because: 

• One person may think it’s very important to eat

more fruits and vegetables, but they may lack the

confidence to do so. 

• However, another person might feel very confident

that they can change their habits, but may not think

it’s important to do so. 

• Understanding both issues can help a person 

develop a realistic plan of action.

These discussions can raise a number of questions.

They include: 

• How much do I want to make this change?

• What could get in my way?

• What could help?

• What would my first step be?

Importance and Confidence Ruler

An easy way for Peer Counselors to learn about a person’s

motivation is by using Importance and Confidence Rulers.

Remember, the people you are counseling may not have a

copy of the ruler. 

Start by using the ruler to learn about importance.

1. Ask: “How important is it to you to eat more

fruits and vegetables? On a scale of 0 to 10, with

0 being not important at all, and 10 being very

important, where would you place yourself?”

2. After the person gives you a number, ask: “Why

did you choose _______ , and not a lower 

number like 1 or 2?” (If they choose 0 or 1, ask

instead, “Why such a low number?”) Their answers

to this question will tell you the benefits they see 

to eating more fruits and vegetables.

3. Reflect on the reasons given.

4. Ask: “What would it take to move your number 

a little higher?” Their answers will tell you what

would motivate them to eat more fruits and vegetables.

5. Reflect.

Ask similar questions about confidence.

1. Ask: “How confident are you that you could 

eat more fruits and vegetables if you decided

to? On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being not 

confident at all, and 10 being very confident,

where would you place yourself?”

2. After people give you a number, ask: “Why did

you choose _____, and not a lower number 

like 1 or 2?” (If they choose 0 or 1, ask instead,

“Why such a low number?”) Their answers to 

this question will tell you what helps them to 

feel confident.

3. Reflect on the reasons given.

4. Ask: “What would it take to move your 

number a little higher?” Their answers will 

tell you what would increase their confidence.

5. Reflect.

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 11

Importance and Confidence Ruler

Not at all Somewhat Very

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
How Peer Counselors Help People Move 

Toward Action

Discussing values, importance, and confidence should

give you an idea of why the person you are counseling

might want to eat more fruits and vegetables. For

those who are ready to change, you can help them

develop a realistic action plan:

• Ask if the person has some ideas for eating more

fruits and vegetables. 

• Reflect on these ideas in a way that provides 

support for a plan: “You can see yourself

________________ and sticking with it.” 

If the person you are counseling doesn’t have a plan,

provide guidance: 

• Get permission to share some ideas that have

worked for others. 

• Share information from the nutrition section of this

handbook or offer ways to get more information,

such as through nutrition activities at the church.

Ask if any of these ideas could be useful.

Reflect on these ideas in a way that provides support

for a plan: “You can see yourself ________________

and sticking with it.” 

If the person does not develop a plan, that’s OK. Offer

a reflection like, “You’re interested in eating more fruits

and vegetables, but you’re not ready to start yet.”

Summary of Building Motivation

The Values Sheet and the Importance and Confidence

Rulers are useful tools for Peer Counselors. The way

people respond to them will depend on their life experience, knowledge, and hopes. 

Some people may develop a tentative plan. That plan

could involve bringing a healthy snack to work each

day. Or, it could simply involve thinking about eating

healthier food. 

Whatever the response, don’t push. This may be the

first time they have had a chance to really think about

how they eat and whether they could make healthier

choices. Just thinking about these issues can be an

important first step toward better eating habits.

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 12
PRACTICE EXERCISES

Exercise: Importance and Confidence

Using the Importance and Confidence Ruler below,

answer the following questions. They will help you

clarify your own motivation for eating more fruits and

vegetables. 

How important is it to you to eat more fruits and 

vegetables? On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being not

important at all, and 10 being very important, where

would you place yourself?

1. What number did you choose?

2. Why did you choose ____ , and not a lower 

number like 1 or 2?

3. What would you reflect about your response to

question number 2? 

4. What would it take to move your number a little

higher?

5. What would you reflect about your response to

question number 4?

Now think about your confidence level. 

How confident are you that you could eat more fruits

and vegetables if you decided to? On a scale of 0 to

10, with 0 being not confident at all, and 10 being

very confident, where would you place yourself?

1. What number did you choose?

2. Why did you choose ____ , and not a lower 

number like 1 or 2?

3. What would you reflect about your response to

question number 2? 

4. What would it take to move your number a little 

higher? 

5. What would you reflect about your response to 

question number 4? 

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 13

Importance and Confidence Ruler

Not at all Somewhat Very

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Importance and Confidence Ruler

Not at all Somewhat Very

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
SUMMARIZING THOUGHTS AND PLANS

The person you counsel will get more out of the 

conversation if you summarize their thoughts 

and plans. 

What is a Summary?

A summary restates the key parts of the conversation.

The summary may include:

• Thoughts

• Concerns

• Plans

• Reflections 

(especially those that produced a strong reaction)

How to Use a Summary

A summary can be useful in a number of ways. It can

help the person:

• Recall the conversation

• Think of new ideas

• Plan their next steps

• Feel more confident about moving forward

PRACTICE EXERCISE

Exercise: Summarize Your Values and Motivation

1. Look over your responses in the exercises about 

values, importance, and confidence. What plan could

you make to eat more fruits and vegetables?

2. How would you summarize your own values, 

importance, confidence, and plan?

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 14

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever 

you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

1 Corinthians 10:31

Summary Tips

Try these tips for summarizing thoughts and plans:

Take notes. Notes will give you a reference point

for what to include in the summary. Focus on: 

• Why the person feels it’s important to eat more

fruits and vegetables, or what gets in their way.

• Their level of confidence.

• Concerns about eating a healthier diet.

• Values and benefits that may act as motivators. 

• Any plans that have been discussed.

Check to see if the person wants to add anything to the summary. Ask, “What would you

like to add?” Reviewing the conversation may have

brought up other thoughts, or even another idea

for eating more fruits and vegetables. 
Tips

• Take notes during the conversation. This will help

you keep track of key points. 

• Meet with other Peer Counselors regularly for

ideas and support. Feel free to talk about how you

are handling different situations. But don’t reveal

the names of the people you counsel.

• Remember: Reflections will get easier. They don’t

have to be perfect.

• Enjoy being a Peer Counselor. Having the

opportunity to reach out and help others is a 

blessing, for them and for you.

GET READY

One day soon, your church’s Peer Counseling

Coordinator will tell you which church members you

are responsible for contacting. It’s only natural to feel 

a little nervous as you prepare to step into your new

role. Try to remember two things:

1. They will be expecting your call because they signed

up for peer counseling.

2. You were asked to be a Peer Counselor because you

are good at listening and giving support. 

GET SET

You may want to practice your counseling skills before

the first conversation. Try these ideas:

• Practice a conversation about eating more fruits and

vegetables with another Peer Counselor. Tape the

practice session, if possible. Listening to the tape

will help you identify areas for more practice. 

• Use the Self-Assessment Form (page 21) to help you

check how you’re doing. 

• Review the conversation in the movie.

Gather all the supplies you’ll need for the discussion.

These include:

• Peer Counseling Roadmap (page 17)

• Starters for Open Questions and Reflections 

(page 18)

• Values Sheet (page 19)

• Importance and Confidence Ruler (page 20)

GO!

Here’s how to set up your first conversation:

• Call or introduce yourself to the church member

you have been assigned.

• Identify yourself as a Peer Counselor from your

church. 

• Find out if the person prefers to talk on the phone

or meet in person. 

• Schedule a time that works for both of you.

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 15

Getting Started

“Share with God’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:13
The following pages contain tools that will help you

as a Peer Counselor. An explanation of each tool

appears below.

PEER COUNSELING ROADMAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

The roadmap summarizes each part of the peer 

counseling conversation. Use it to check off each 

step as you cover it and to check if you have missed

any key points. Remember: Each discussion will be 

different. You don’t need to follow the specific order 

of the roadmap.

STARTERS FOR OPEN QUESTIONS 

AND REFLECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

The starters are ways to begin an open question 

or a reflection. There is room for you to add other

starters that have worked well for you. 

VALUES SHEET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

The sheet helps you guide the conversation about 

values. Church members get a sheet when they 

sign up for peer counseling. If they have misplaced

their sheet, show them your copy, or read the values 

to them.

IMPORTANCE AND CONFIDENCE RULER . . . . . . .20

The ruler helps the person think about importance 

and confidence. 

SELF-ASSESSMENT FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

The form is useful for identifying areas that you 

should practice. 

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 16

Peer Counselor Tools
BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 17

Use the roadmap as a guide to the main points of the peer counseling conversation. Each conversation will take

its own path, so you may not follow the roadmap exactly. For example, you might talk about values, importance,

and confidence in a different order.

Make Contact/Arrange Meeting

• Introduce yourself as a Peer Counselor from your church. 

• Say that you understand the person has signed up to talk with a Peer Counselor. 

• Ask if the person still wants to talk. If so, set a time and place for the meeting or call. 

Talk about Fruits and Vegetables 

• Ask why the person signed up for peer counseling. 

• Listen and reflect.

• Ask about how many fruits and vegetables the person eats every day.

• Ask them what they like (or dislike) about fruits and vegetables.

• Ask if the person knows the amount of fruits and vegetables he/she should eat. If not, ask if the person 

would like to know the recommendation.

• Listen and reflect.

Talk about Values

• Explain that making a lifestyle change is easier if the change is tied to one’s values.

• Ask what the person’s top 3 values are and what they mean to the person.

• Listen and reflect.

• Ask what connection, if any, the person sees between these values and eating more fruits and vegetables.

• Reflect on the connection or lack of connection.

Rate Importance and Confidence

• Ask the person to rate the importance of eating more fruits and vegetables on a scale of 0 to 10.

• Ask why the person chose ________ and not a lower number, like a 1 or a 2. 

• Listen and reflect.

• Ask what it would take to move this number a little higher.

• Listen and reflect.

• Ask similar questions about confidence. Listen and reflect.

Create Action Plan/Summarize/Close

• Ask if the person has some ideas for ways to eat more fruits and vegetables.

• Listen and reflect.

• If not, with permission, suggest some ideas and ways to get more information.

• Ask if any of these ideas might work for them.

• Listen and reflect.

• Summarize the key parts of the conversation.

• Ask if it would be okay to call the person in about 2 weeks.

• End the conversation.

Peer Counseling Roadmap
Refer to this sheet whenever you need ideas for how to start open questions and reflections.

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 18

OPEN QUESTIONS

Tell me about ... ?

To what extent ... ?

What else ... ?

Help me understand ... ?

What, if any ... ?

How did you ... ?

Starters for Open Questions and Reflections

REFLECTIONS

It sounds like ...

It has been hard for you ...

You’re feeling ...

You’re not sure ...

You have mixed feelings about ...

You’re thinking about ...
BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 19

Look at the values below. Mark the 3 that you feel are most important 

to you in guiding the decisions you make in your life.

Spirituality, to grow and mature spiritually 

Family, to have a happy, loving family

God’s will, to follow God’s plan for me

Good Christian, to follow the teachings of the Bible

Health, to be physically well 

Responsible, to do what I said I would do

Disciplined, to do what is right

Independent, to be able to meet my own needs

Considerate, to be thoughtful of others

Honesty, to be truthful in all areas of my life

Inner peace, to feel a sense of quiet/calmness within me

Friendship, to be a good friend and have close, supportive friends

Helpfulness, to reach out to others 

Loving, to give and receive love 

Hopeful, to remain positive in my view of the world

Other________________________________________________________

Values Sheet
BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 20

Importance and Confidence Ruler

Use these rulers to help the people you counsel rate their motivation.

Importance

How important is it to you to eat more fruits and vegetables? On a scale of 0 to 10, with 

0 being not important at all, and 10 being very important, where would you place yourself?

Confidence

How confident are you that you could eat more fruits and vegetables if you decided to? 

On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being not confident at all, and 10 being very confident, 

where would you place yourself?

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NOT SOME VERY

AT ALL WHAT

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

NOT SOME VERY

AT ALL WHAT
This form will help you identify skills that you should practice.

Instructions

To use this self-assessment: 

• Tape yourself while practicing the Peer Counselor conversation with another Peer Counselor. 

• Listen to the tape. As you listen, place checkmarks in the boxes below. 

Place a checkmark in the box every time you:

Scoring

Give yourself 1 point for every checkmark in boxes 1 and 3. Take away 1 point for every checkmark in boxes 

2, 4, and 5. 

Self-Assessment

1. You should ask more open questions than closed ones.

2. You should be asking very few closed questions. If you asked closed questions, how could you have 

made them open?

3. Reflect with confidence. You should have more reflections than questions. If you asked many 

questions, go back and look for places where you could have reflected. Did you reflect deeper feelings 

and emotions? Look for places where your reflections could have gone deeper.

4. If you reflected with an upturn, practice making statements, not asking questions.

5. Avoid offering unsolicited advice, telling people how you would handle a situation, or giving your opinion. 

If you offered advice, what could you have done differently?

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 21

1. Ask an open question

2. Ask a closed question

3. Make a reflection

4. Reflect with an upturn

5. Offer unsolicited advice

Notes:

Self-Assessment Form
WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF 

THE BODY & SOUL PROGRAM?

The program’s immediate goal is to help church 

members make healthier eating choices. In time, the

program may also address other health issues that

church members care about, such as being more 

physically active. 

WHO DO I TALK TO?

Church members sign up to receive peer counseling.

The Peer Counseling Coordinator will tell you who 

to contact. As more people from your church sign 

up, the coordinator will give you more names of 

people to contact. You and the Peer Counseling

Coordinator will decide together how many people 

you counsel. 

WHERE DO I TALK WITH THE PEOPLE I COUNSEL?

You can talk with them over the phone or in person —

whichever is most comfortable and convenient for

both of you. 

HOW MUCH TIME DOES PEER COUNSELING TAKE?

The first discussion takes about 20 minutes. The 

follow-up conversations are usually shorter. 

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW 

ABOUT BEING A PEER COUNSELOR?

Peer Counselors use special communication skills 

that help people discover their own reasons for eating 

more fruits and vegetables. Your church selected 

you because you already have good listening and 

communication skills and enjoy helping others. The

training movie and this handbook will help you learn

these communication skills.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT 

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES?

You don’t need to be an expert. Just become familiar

with the information about fruits and vegetables in 

the Resources section of this handbook (pages 23-29). 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF PEOPLE HAVE 

MEDICAL CONCERNS?

Don’t give medical advice. Instead, say, “I suggest 

you speak to your doctor about that. I’m not qualified

to give that kind of information.” 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF A PERSON 

HAS OTHER SERIOUS PROBLEMS?

Ask their permission to give their name to the Peer

Counseling Coordinator, who can put them in touch

with resources in the church or community. Even if

they don’t want you to use their name, you can still

discuss their situation with the coordinator or pastor.

Just don’t reveal who they are. 

DO I NEED TO EAT MORE FRUITS AND 

VEGETABLES?

Everyone should eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and

vegetables. It will also make you more credible and

comfortable as a Peer Counselor. 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF A PERSON DOESN’T WANT 

TO EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES?

Use open questions and reflections to find out why

they asked to receive peer counseling. If they aren’t

interested at this time, that’s okay. Your conversation

may lead them to become interested in the future. 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF A PERSON DOESN’T OPEN 

UP OR DOESN’T SHARE MUCH INFORMATION?

Give them a few extra seconds of silence before you

respond. This will ensure that you haven’t cut off their

reply. Some people are private or quiet by nature. Or

they may need more time to think before they speak. 

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 22

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

Psalms 34: 4

Frequently Asked Questions 

about Being a Peer Counselor
The National Cancer Institute recommends eating 

a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables every day.

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables every day is an 

important part of a healthy, active lifestyle. It promotes 

good health and may help lower the chances of getting

high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease,

and some types of cancer. African Americans have very

high rates of these diseases and get them earlier in life.

They also suffer more serious health problems and die 

at an earlier age from these diseases. Most African

Americans eat less than half of the daily amount of

fruits and vegetables recommended for good health. 

Everyone has the power to make choices to improve

their health. The good news is that eating more fruits

and vegetables is one of the easiest things you can do

to get started. 

This section has information about:

• why eating fruits and vegetables is important for

good health. 

• the amount of fruits and vegetables recommended. 

• easy ways to eat more fruits and vegetables.

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 23

The Good News About 

Fruits & Vegetables
IT ALL BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD

African American youth have the highest rates of 

overweight and obesity among all children. Type 2 

diabetes is also going up at alarming rates among

African American children. Eating habits that affect 

a child’s risk for these problems begin in childhood.

Healthy eating in childhood, and into the adult years,

can help lower their chances for diseases later in life.

These diseases include obesity, overweight, diabetes,

heart disease, high blood pressure, and cancer. Most

African American kids eat less than half of the amount

of fruits and vegetables recommended for good health. 

GOOD HABITS LAST A LIFETIME

It’s important for us to help kids develop good habits

they can carry into their adult lives. Eating more fruits

and vegetables when they are young will make it easier

for them to eat more fruits and vegetables as they

grow older. 

NUTRIENTS TO GROW 

HEALTHY AND STRONG

Fruits and vegetables give children many of the nutrients

they need to grow healthfully. Eating enough fruits

and vegetables also helps kids develop strong muscles,

bones, and teeth.

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 24

Why eating fruits and vegetables 

is important for children
HELP MANAGE YOUR WEIGHT

When combined with an active lifestyle, eating a healthy

diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help you manage

your weight. Most are low in calories and fat. And many

have lots of water and fiber to help you feel full.

You can eat fewer calories and still satisfy your

appetite by eating larger portions of fruits and 

vegetables at meals. Eat fruits and vegetables raw or

steamed and use very small amounts of added sauces,

butters, or oils.

LOWER YOUR CHANCES 

FOR SOME CANCERS

People who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

every day have a lower chance of getting cancer 

of the lung, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach,

colon, and rectum. They are also less likely to get

breast, pancreas, larynx, and bladder cancer.

LOWER YOUR CHANCES 

FOR HEART DISEASE & STROKE

Heart-healthy diets include 4 to 5 cups of fruits and

vegetables every day. They are low in saturated fat 

and cholesterol. They also include low-fat dairy foods

and whole grains. Such diets can greatly lower blood

pressure and cholesterol and lower the chances of

heart disease. Recent studies also report that diets 

rich in fruits and vegetables may help lower the

chances for having a stroke.

REDUCE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

In the DASH study (Dietary Approaches to Stop

Hypertension), people with high blood pressure 

followed a special eating plan. These people saw their

blood pressure go down after only one month. The

plan included 4 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables

every day and 2 to 3 cups of low-fat dairy foods. 

The DASH eating plan is low in saturated fat and 

cholesterol. The plan allows only very small amounts 

of red meat, sweets, and sugar-containing drinks. It

also includes moderate amounts of whole grains, fish,

poultry, and nuts. 

People in the DASH study with the lowest sodium

intake had the biggest fall in blood pressure. Too 

much sodium causes blood pressure to rise. Potassium

counteracts the effect of sodium on blood pressure.

Yet, African Americans get only half their potassium

needs. Fruits and vegetables are naturally high in

potassium and low in sodium.

LOWER YOUR 

CHANCES FOR DIABETES

Obesity and diet are strong risk factors for developing

type 2 diabetes. So it is important to be at a healthy

weight. Get enough exercise and eat a healthy diet

rich in fruits and vegetables every day.

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 25

Why eating fruits and vegetables 

is important for adults
Fruits and vegetables are a great source of many 

vitamins, minerals, and fiber the body needs. They 

are also packed with hundreds of naturally occurring 

substances called phytochemicals that may help 

protect against many diseases. And fruits and 

vegetables are low in fat and calories. 

Vitamins

Fruits and vegetables provide many important 

vitamins, like vitamin A and vitamin C. There are 

about 20 vitamins needed for life, each with a very

important job. Some vitamins help the body produce

energy. Others help keep skin healthy. The best way 

to get vitamins is to eat the fruits and vegetables 

that contain them. 

Minerals

Fruits and vegetables provide many important 

minerals, like potassium and magnesium. The body

needs minerals to do many things. For example,

magnesium helps the body maintain healthy bones

and potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

Fiber

Most fruits and vegetables are a good source of fiber.

One type of fiber can help lower cholesterol. It also

slows down digestion so that the body can absorb

more nutrients and better control blood sugar levels.

Another type of fiber helps you get rid of waste and

keeps you regular.

Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals (fight-o-chemicals) are naturally 

occurring substances in fruits and vegetables.

Phytochemicals may help fight to protect your health. 

Fruits and vegetables have hundreds of phytochemicals.

Phytochemicals work together with vitamins and 

minerals to promote good health.

Here are just a few examples of the phytochemicals

found in fruits and vegetables: 

• Carotenoids in red and yellow-orange fruits 

and vegetables (such as tomatoes, sweet 

potatoes, carrots) 

• Lycopene in tomato-based foods 

(such as tomato sauce, tomato paste) 

• Lutein and zeaxanthin in leafy greens (such as 

collard greens, spinach, romaine lettuce) 

• Flavanoids in brightly colored fruits and vegetables

(such as blueberries, cherries, strawberries) 

The vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals in

fruits and vegetables combine for a health-protecting

and disease-fighting effect that you can’t get from

vitamin pills. Only a variety of fruits and vegetables

give you all of these nutrients together. 

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 26

2 6

What’s in fruits and vegetables?
BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 27

Fruits and vegetables come in a rainbow of colors. Each color is a sign of different important nutrients. You can

benefit from eating fruits and vegetables of different colors regularly. These include green, yellow-orange, red,

blue-purple, and white. 

This chart shows the 5 color groups and gives some examples of fruits and vegetables from each.

The colors of health 

red Tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, tomato juice, tomato soup, red

peppers, red onions, beets, red cabbage, kidney beans, apples, pink

grapefruit, red grapes, strawberries, cherries, watermelon, raspberries,

cranberries, pomegranates

green Leafy greens (collard, mustard, and turnip greens, swiss

chard, kale, spinach and lettuces), asparagus, green peppers, broccoli,

green beans, peas, green cabbage, green onion, brussels sprouts, okra,

zucchini, chinese cabbage (napa/bok choy), green apples, green grapes,

honeydew melon, kiwifruit, limes 

white Cauliflower, mushrooms, white beans, onions, garlic,

parsnips, shallots, turnips, ginger, jicama, bananas, pears

blue-purple Eggplant, purple

grapes, plums, raisins, blueberries, blackberries,

purple figs, dried plums, black currants

yellow-orange Carrots, summer squash, corn, 

sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkin, yellow peppers, rutabagas, 

cantaloupe, grapefruit, lemons, nectarines, oranges, peaches, pineapples,

tangerines, apricots, mangoes, papayas
Everybody needs to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. But most adults need to eat more 

than children. And men need even more than women.

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 28

How many cups of fruits and 

vegetables do you need each day? 

Women

AGE FRUITS VEGETABLES

19-30 2 cups 21/2 cups

31-50 11

/2 cups 21/2 cups

51+ 11

/2 cups 2 cups

19-50 2 cups 21

/2 cups

51+ 11

/2 cups 21/2 cups

19-50 2 cups 3 cups

51+ 2 cups 21

/2 cups

less active fairly active active

Girls

AGE FRUITS VEGETABLES

2-3 1 cup 1 cup

4-8 1 cup 11

/2 cups

9-13 11

/2 cups 2 cups

14-18 11

/2 cups 21/2 cups

2-3 1 cup 1 cup

4-8 11

/2 cups 11/2 cups

9-13 11

/2 cups 2 cups

14-18 2 cups 21

/2 cups

2-3 1 cup 1 cup

4-8 11

/2 cups 11/2 cups

9-13 11

/2 cups 21/2 cups

14-18 2 cups 3 cups

less active fairly active active

Men

AGE FRUITS VEGETABLES

19-50 2 cups 3 cups

51+ 2 cups 21

/2 cups

less 

active

19-30 2 cups 31

/2 cups

31+ 2 cups 3 cups

19-30 21

/2 cups 4 cups

31-50 21

/2 cups 31/2 cups

51+ 2 cups 3 cups

fairly active active

Boys

AGE FRUITS VEGETABLES

2-3 1 cup 1 cup

4-8 11

/2 cups 11/2 cups

9-13 11

/2 cups 21/2 cups

14-18 2 cups 3 cups

2-3 1 cup 1 cup

4-8 11

/2 cups 11/2 cups

9-13 11

/2 cups 21/2 cups

14-18 2 cups 3 cups

2-3 1 cup 1 cup

4-8 11

/2 cups 2 cups

9-13 2 cups 21

/2 cups

14-18 21

/2 cups 31/2 cups

less active fairly active active
BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 29

It’s easy to eat your 

fruits and vegetables 

Eating your fruits and vegetables is a lot easier than you might think. One cup-equivalent of most fruits

and vegetables is the amount that would fit in a measuring cup if chopped, or about 2 handfuls. The

exceptions are raw leafy greens (2 cups count as 1 cup) or dried fruit (1/2 cup counts as 1 cup). MID-DAY EVENING MORNING

1 large banana

1cup

1cup

1cup

1 cup sweet potato

2 cups of lettuce count as 1 small apple 1 cup of vegetables

For example, a 35 year-old fairly active woman would need

41

/2 cups per day. The chart below shows what 41/2 cups

might look like.

Fruits and vegetables are only one component of a healthy

diet. In addition to fruits and vegetables, a healthy diet also

includes whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk products, lean

meats, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. It is also low in saturated

fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.

1/2 cup broccoli

11/2 cups

The following examples count as 1 cup:

1 small apple

1 large banana

2 medium cantaloupe wedges

1 medium grapefruit 

1 large orange

1 large peach

1 medium pear

2 large or 3 small plums

8 large strawberries

1 small watermelon wedge

2 small boxes of raisins or other dried fruit

3 spears of broccoli 

1 cup of cooked greens or 2 cups raw 

(spinach, collards, mustard greens, turnip greens)

2 medium carrots or 12 baby carrots

1 large sweet potato

1 large ear of corn 

1 medium potato

2 large stalks of celery

1 large bell pepper

1 large tomato

1/2 can of beans
The Peer Counselor’s Handbook was developed 

to support Body & Soul: A Celebration of Healthy

Eating & Living. 

Special thanks to Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach, M.D.,

Director of NCI; Dr. Mark Clanton, M.D., Deputy

Director of NCI; Ed Maibach, Ph.D., Director of the

NCI Center for Strategic Dissemination; and Robert T.

Croyle, Ph.D., Director of the NCI Division of Cancer

Control and Population Sciences for their leadership

and support.

The handbook was developed at the University of

North Carolina-Chapel Hill by:

• Marci Kramish Campbell, Ph.D., Associate Professor,

Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health

and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer

Center

• Carol Carr, MA, Project Manager, UNC Lineberger

Comprehensive Cancer Center

With:

• Ken Resnicow, Ph.D., University of Michigan

Comprehensive Cancer Center and School of Public

Health

• Lorelei DiSogra, Ed.D., R.D., Director, 5 A Day

Program, National Cancer Institute

• Alexis Williams, M.P.H., Health Education Specialist,

National Cancer Institute

Peer Counseling was adapted from Motivational

Interviewing by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick,

2nd Edition, 2002, The Guilford Press.

The Peer Counselor’s Handbook was adapted from 

the Motivational Interviewing Training Kit developed 

by Dr. Ken Resnicow.

NCI would like to acknowledge the contributions of:

• Porter Novelli, Washington, D.C.

• Riffenburgh and Associates, Albuquerque, NM

Suggested citation: Body & Soul Peer Counselor

Training. National Cancer Institute (2005). 

Bethesda, MD

BODY & SOUL: PEER COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK 30

Acknowledgements