PFA Manual (Breakout Room Session)

This guide is a practical toolkit for fostering empathy, understanding, and resilience within the
Peer Support Squad. It offers structured steps for delivering emotional support, conducting
meaningful conversations, and creating a safe, supportive environment. Filled with real-life
scenarios, self-care tips, and guided activities, this guide ensures that every Peer Support
Squad member feels confident and prepared to assist others. Together, we aim to build a
network of trust, uplift one another, and promote mental well-being across our community.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

1. Confidentiality is Key: Remember that the discussions held in these sessions are
confidential. What is shared within the group should stay within the group, fostering a
safe space for everyone to express themselves freely.
2. Not Counseling: It’s important to note that our role is to provide peer support, not
professional counseling. We are here to listen, share experiences, and offer
encouragement, but we do not substitute for licensed mental health professionals.
3. Language Flexibility: During our conversations, feel free to express yourselves in
English, Tagalog, or the Buhinon dialect. Our goal is to ensure everyone feels
comfortable and understood, so use the language that best conveys your thoughts and
feelings.
4. Active Listening: Make sure to practice active listening. Give your full attention to the
speaker, acknowledge their feelings, and respond with empathy. This helps create a
supportive environment.
5. Respect Diversity: Acknowledge and respect the diverse experiences and backgrounds
of all participants. Everyone’s journey is unique, and we should be open-minded and
accepting of different perspectives.
6. Encourage Participation: Gently encourage everyone to participate in discussions. If
someone seems quiet, check in with them to see if they’d like to share their thoughts or
feelings.
7. Set Boundaries: While we are here to support each other, it’s essential to recognize
personal boundaries. If someone isn’t comfortable sharing, respect their decision and
allow them to participate in other ways.
8. Resource Sharing: Be prepared to share resources or information about professional
support services if someone expresses a need for more specialized help.
9. Practice Respect: Show respect for each individual’s feelings and experiences.
Validate what others share without judgment, and foster an atmosphere of kindness and
understanding.
10. Self-Care Reminder: Encourage everyone to prioritize their own self-care. Remind
participants that it’s okay to take breaks and engage in activities that help them recharge
and feel better.

By adhering to these reminders, we can create a nurturing and effective environment for
everyone involved in the Peer Support Squad. Let’s work together to support each other through
this journey!

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Here are the step-by-step guidelines for conducting the "Kamustahan at Kwentuhan"
breakout room session with Buhinong CSPCeans:

Part 1. Establishing Connection

● Example: Good afternoon, everyone! I am Magdaline M. Taller, a member of the CSPC
Buhi Campus Peer Facilitators’ Organization. Thank you for joining us today. This is a
safe space where we can freely share our experiences, thoughts, and feelings. We want
to check your current situation as we face the challenges brought by Typhoon Kristine.

● We’re here to provide Psychological First Aid, or PFA, as introduced earlier by Miss Ber.
PFA is a compassionate approach to offer immediate support, listen, and help you feel
safe after a challenging event like Typhoon Kristine. It’s about being here for you,
understanding what you’ve been through, and seeing how we can help meet any needs
you may have.

● Let’s make this a supportive and relaxed session. You can share as much or as little as
you like—whatever feels comfortable for you. We’re here to listen and support one
another.

(To set the mood of the breakout room session, you may use this Color Activity to check the
feelings of the participants.)

Feelings Check: Color Activity

● Example: Let’s start with a quick feelings check! Raise your virtual hand and choose a
color that best describes how you’re feeling right now:
○ Blue if you’re feeling calm or at peace
○ Green if you’re feeling hopeful or optimistic
○ Yellow if you’re feeling a bit uncertain or mixed
○ Red if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed

Example Response:

Thanks for sharing your colors, everyone! Always remember, no matter how you’re feeling
today, remember that all your emotions are valid. Each color, each feeling, is part of your
experience and deserves acceptance.

Moving on to the next part of our kamustahan, I’d like to invite you to share your thoughts:

Question: What was your experience like during the typhoon? (Ano ang naging karanasan
ninyo noong bagyo?)

Please feel free to express your feelings and insights, as this is a safe space for us to connect
and support one another.

If no one responds, try gently encouraging them: "I understand it can feel a bit hard to share at
first, so let me start by sharing my own experience during Typhoon Kristine. When the storm
hit, I felt afraid because… [share your personal experience briefly]."

Then continue:

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"How about you? Did you feel something similar? Would anyone like to share their
experience?"

Pause and give them a moment to open up.

“If you’re feeling hesitant to share your experiences out loud, please feel free to use the chat
box to express your thoughts. We want to ensure that everyone has a chance to share in a
way that feels comfortable for them. Your experiences matter, and we're here to listen!”

This way, you create a supportive environment and encourage others to share their thoughts
and feelings.)

Part 2: Identifying Immediate Needs and Concerns

Question: "Do you feel safe right now, or is there anything making you feel worried or
unsafe?"
("Okay ka lang ba ngayon, o may bagay ba na nagpapagulo sa isip mo o nagpaparamdam
sa’yo na hindi ka ligtas?")

If someone says "Wala naman" (I'm fine):

"That's great to hear! I'm glad you're feeling okay. It’s a sign that we are truly resilient when it
comes to facing challenges. Sometimes, just acknowledging that we’re doing fine is a big step.

If someone expresses concern:

Sample Conversation:

Participant: "I feel really overwhelmed right now with everything that's happening. I’m worried
about my family and my home."

Response: "It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. These situations can be really
tough, and it’s okay to express your feelings. Just know that you're not alone in this, and it’s
okay to take things one step at a time. Focusing on what you can control right now can help
ease that feeling."

Question: "Are there any urgent needs you have right now, like food, water, shelter, or
contacting loved ones?"

If someone mentions having urgent needs, such as a lack of access to basic necessities,
respond with empathy and gather more information to understand the situation better:

"I’m sorry to hear that you’re facing these challenges. Is there any food or water available to you
at the moment? Could you tell me more about how severe the situation is and what specific
resources are missing? We’ll do our best to help find support."

If someone responds that they don’t need urgent support, you can say:

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"Thank you for letting me know. It’s good to hear that you’re managing right now. But please
remember, if any needs arise or if there’s anything we can help with in the future, don’t hesitate
to reach out. We’re here for you."

3. Exploring Emotional Responses

- Begin by asking, "What has been the hardest part of this experience for you so far?"

If someone shares a specific fear, such as the fear of unexpected flooding, acknowledge their
experience and encourage others to join the conversation.

Respond with empathy: "Thank you so much for sharing that. Facing challenges like
unexpected flooding can feel overwhelming, and it’s understandable to feel that way. Has
anyone else experienced something similar?"

Give others time to open up and share their experiences.

- To further explore emotions, you might say, "It’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions
after an event like this. Have you noticed any particular feelings—like fear, sadness, or
even anger?"

Allow them to share openly and validate their feelings. You could respond with something like:

"I can understand how challenging it is to go through an experience like this. The aftermath of
the typhoon has affected so many, and I’m truly sorry to hear about how it’s impacted each of
you. We want you to know that you’re not alone in this. We’re here to listen and support you
through this vulnerable time."

Remind them:

"Whatever you’re feeling right now is valid and accepted. We’re here to provide a listening ear
and help however we can."

4. Providing Practical Support

Start with, "Do you have a safe place to stay right now, and is there someone you can turn
to for support?"

If someone mentions that their house has been damaged due to the typhoon, respond with
empathy and offer assistance:

- Response: "I’m really sorry to hear that your home has been affected. What can I do to
help make things a bit easier for you at this moment?" If you need any support after this
meeting, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at the CSPC Buhi Campus - Office of
the Guidance Services or the Peer Facilitators. We are always here to offer our support,
and we will do our very best to assist you."

5. Promoting Adaptive Coping

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- Ask, "Have you found anything helpful for calming down or taking a break from thinking
about what happened?

Encourage sharing by saying: "Have you noticed any practices that help you feel calmer?
I’ve heard that some of you might still be feeling anxious or unable to sleep. What have you
found helpful in the past to cope with these feelings?"

If they share, follow up with: "That sounds like a great way to find some relief. Is there
something you’ve done before that helped you feel better that you’d like to try again?"

If there’s a lull in the conversation, you can share your own coping strategies: "I can relate; I’m
also feeling anxious. I usually find meditation and breathing exercises helpful, and I often talk to
my family and friends to reassure myself that everything will be alright. Sometimes, just
reminding myself that the typhoon is gone helps me feel more positive."

6. Assessing Social Support

- Ask, "Do you have friends, family, or anyone on campus you can talk to about what’s on
your mind?"

If they respond positively, guide them to indicate their availability: "If they respond positively,
guide them to indicate their availability: "If your answer is yes, please click the hand button to let
us know. This helps us understand who feels they have a support system in place and allows us
to focus on those who might need additional resources or connections. It's important to know
that you're not alone, and having someone to talk to can make a big difference during
challenging times."

7. Linking to Additional Resources

- Suggest, "I can connect you with campus services that offer additional support if that
would be helpful. Would you be interested in talking to a counselor or joining a support
group?"

Encourage interaction: "If your answer is yes, please click the hand button to let us know."

Inquire further: "Are there any resources or information you feel you need to help you get
through this?"

If they express a need, remind them: "Do not hesitate to reach out for the support you need.
You can contact the CSPC Buhi Campus Office of the Guidance Services and the Peer
Facilitators Organization if you need further assistance. We are here to help you in any way we
can.

8. Closing

Reflection and Positive Takeaway

● Example Prompt: “Before we wrap up, let’s each share one positive takeaway from
today’s session or something you’re grateful for. It could be anything—big or small!”

EXAMPLE: Reflection:

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 “Reflecting on the challenges brought by Typhoon Kristine, I realize how much we were
all affected—physically, emotionally, and mentally. The chaos of the storm disrupted our
routines, and many of us faced losses and uncertainty about the future. However, amidst
these difficulties, I found strength in the support of my friends, family, and community.
We came together to help each other rebuild and recover. I learned the importance of
resilience and how sharing our experiences can foster connection and healing."

Positive Takeaway:

"My positive takeaway from this experience is the power of community. Typhoon Kristine
may have brought destruction, but it also highlighted our ability to support one another.
I’ve realized that even in the darkest times, there are always people willing to lend a
helping hand. Moving forward, I aim to cultivate this sense of togetherness, encouraging
others to reach out and share their struggles, knowing that we can overcome challenges
as a united front."

Resource Sharing and Contact Information:

CLOSING:

As we wrap up our session today, I want to express my gratitude for your openness and
willingness to share. Each of you has shown incredible strength in navigating the
challenges brought by the recent typhoon and other difficulties. Remember, it's okay to
ask for help, and it's important to lean on each other during tough times. Let's carry
forward the support we’ve built here today and continue to be there for one another.
Thank you for being part of this community, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need
anything. Take care and stay safe!

Before we return to the meeting with Miss Mariber, let's capture this moment of
resilience and positivity! Please open your cameras and show your best smiles as we
celebrate our strength and unity. Ready? On the count of three: 1, 2, 3... SMILE! This
photo will serve as a reminder of our collective spirit and the support we share. Thank
you once again for joining us today!"

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