my friend is a Samaritan
and it surprised me when she said that she effectively just repeats things back to people and then asks how that made them feel and that's about it because Samaritans aren't allowed to give out advice.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 26 May 2010, 9:05, 2 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

I couldn't do that.
I have opinions on everything, regardless of prior knowledge.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 26 May 2010, 9:15, Reply)

that's what I said!
I wouldn't be able to resist saying "right, I would do this..."
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 26 May 2010, 9:33, Reply)

After training
I think you'd be surprised how easy it is to resist. It becomes very possible to just sit back and look at the options and try and guide someone to what they feel happy with. It's quite an organic process
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Wed 26 May 2010, 9:40, Reply)

It's pretty fucking difficult.
But what she said.
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Wed 26 May 2010, 9:40, Reply)

No counsellor should give advice really.
It seems to be more about encouraging the client to make discoveries about themselves, come their own conclusions and plan their own recovery. More of a facilitating role than an advising one.
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Wed 26 May 2010, 9:20, Reply)

^
Noel knows his stuff. An advisory role is not an acceptable one for a counsellor. When I'm talking to people in a role of facilitator I don't give advice. If a friend comes to me outside of that role then I will
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Wed 26 May 2010, 9:27, Reply)

*bows*
How're you? Hangover?
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Wed 26 May 2010, 9:34, Reply)

I'm good thanks
I don't get hangovers (little gift from my dad's genetics there) which is lucky because according to my arm I had 22 drinks last night.
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Wed 26 May 2010, 9:39, Reply)

What a clever arm.
I don't get proper hangovers either, just a gentle feeling of pissedness. But now... I've quit alcohol so I'll never feel that again either.
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Wed 26 May 2010, 9:43, Reply)

a very clever arm
how's the non-drinking going?
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Wed 26 May 2010, 9:53, Reply)

Absolutely brilliantly easy.
I read another book by the same guy who helped me quit smoking and change my diet. It was utter shite but a couple of core things got through and I read back through some blog posts about alcohol and quit on the spot.
( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Wed 26 May 2010, 10:04, Reply)

That's what I need
Unfortunately my immediate society revolves around booze..
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Wed 26 May 2010, 10:05, Reply)