Hi Folks, I'm back on the Saligao (pla)net.....and it appears I have a lot of catching up to do!! First of all, I am 110% in agreement with M&M and Yvonne in their perspectives and their knowledge of what (any kind of ) counselling entails. Being in the field myself, (with a specialization in Career Counselling,) I know, firsthand, how challenging it can be to keep personal biases (again, of any kind) from influencing your relationship with your client. What one has to constantly keep in mind when in the role of counsellor is that it is not about you (the counsellor) but all about the client. For that reason, the ability to listen, effectively, is one of the primary and most vital of all the skills that a counsellor should have. Also, 'listening' to what the client is not saying, is another extremely important skill of any counsellor....this involves being aware of clients' body language and any other non-verbal cues. Needless to say, extreme sensitivity is an absolute pre-requisite in this profession; and while none of us are perfect and are bound to make the inevitable 'faux pas' at one time or another, the intent to have the interest of the client at heart at all times cannot be overstated. As M&M rightly say, professionalism does come with training - to which I would add...that although it all seems intimidating at first, and the counsellor-in-training is so focussed on wanting to do the right thing and 'not make any mistakes', it all gradually comes together and the skills you acquire just keep getting better with practice. Ultimately, I guess, having the right attitude is all you need to start out with, and having a sense of humour is certainly an asset!
For this reason, (and without meaning to embarass you in any way, Yvonne - for making this public observation and declaration,) knowing Yvonne personally for the last several years, I can't think of any better fit for the Lonavla (hope I've got this right) Counselling project. It is obviously a huge commitment (2 years), and only the person/s directly involved know whether they are able to make that kind of commitment or not, given their personal circumstances at the time. It appears that the times are most certainly changing, globally...and that children, and in fact people in general, everywhere, are having to deal with problems of an increasingly serious nature, for which they don't just require help, but are beginning to openly admit their need for it. It is my sincere hope that something works out for Saligao along the lines presently being discussed. As with other professionals who have willingly offered to be a resource to the people of Saligao, so am I - offering my skills, knowledge, and experience gained along the way (limited as it all is), in any way they can be used long-distance, for now; and in person, when I am home next. With you always, in spirit (the 'spiritual' kind ) Patsy ________________________________ From: Yvonne Vaz Ezdani <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Wed, May 12, 2010 5:26:46 AM Subject: Re: [SALIGAONET] Saligao-related issues Right at the start the trainee counsellor has to do a self assessment ,become aware of his/her prejudices and biases and try to deal with them..A good counsellor cannot judge or label the client neither can he/she promote his/her beliefs and ideologies.Personal thoughts,feelings and political and religious affilations have to be put aside because the focus is on understanding and helping the clients and their thoughts ,feelings etc take centre stage. A trained counsellor should be secular in every sense but as in every profession there are good and bad. On Tue, May 11, 2010 at 5:22 AM, MnM <[email protected]> wrote: Dear Saligaonetters, > > >Quentin Coelho wrote: > > >The Sadhana Institute plan is excellent. One question, is the choice of >candidate/s based on their faith or lack of it ? as one of the pre requisites >for admission is a letter from a Superior/Bishop. >> >Yes, it is vital that the person chosen should have very secular credentials >and will rise above any kind of partisanism based on creed, caste, political >affiliation or social standing. The professionalism will come as part of the >training. > >Let us see as we get more responses. > > >Warm regards and solidarity. > >M&M. > >-- >................................................................ >there *is* anOTHERgoa >at <http://www.anothergoa.blogspot.com> >& <http://www.youtube.com/anothergoa> >''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' >muriel & mario, >c/o "FULKAR", >6/22, sonarbhatt, saligao. >bardez. goa. 403511. >tel: 0832-2278276 / 2409999 ><anothergoa AT gmail.com> >'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' > >-- >This message comes via the Google Groups "Saligao-Net" group. >To post to this group, send email to [email protected] >To unsubscribe from this group, send email to >[email protected] >For more options, visit this group at >http://groups.google.com/group/saligao-net?hl=en >Please post regularly to keep the e-village active! -- What the caterpillar calls the end, the master calls a butterfly Richard Bach -- This message comes via the Google Groups "Saligao-Net" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/saligao-net?hl=en Please post regularly to keep the e-village active! -- This message comes via the Google Groups "Saligao-Net" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/saligao-net?hl=en Please post regularly to keep the e-village active!
