A step-by-step model for training peer counselors forms the basis of the trainer's manual and accompanying exercises for trainees which are organized into two books for effective skill building. Designed for peer counseling trainees, this document presents the first of these two exercise books. The book begins with three very brief chapters which include introductory comments for trainees (chapter I), an overview of the peer counseling program (chapter II), and a look at roles for peer counselors (chapter III). Following these three chapters are the 13 modules for this introductory program to peer counseling. Module 1 describes peer counseling, module 2 introduces the trainee to the program, and module 3 explores helping behaviors. The remaining modules focus on a variety of peer counseling skills to be developed by trainees: attending skills (module 4), communication stoppers (module 5), empathy skills (module 6), summarizing skills (module 7), questioning skills (module 8), genuineness skills (module 9), assertiveness skills (module 10), confrontation skills (module 11), and problem-solving skills (module 12). Module 13 concentrates on putting peer counseling into action. Each module contains a variety of exercises, activities, and worksheets for trainees. A brief concluding chapter is followed by a list of additional readings. (NB)