Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

How interesting... I never thought that my journals were actually being read. The last one got to comments, and it isn't even new....
Anyway... marveling at the concern of others isn't what I came to do.
I'm writing criteria for counseling for my own use, anyone who reads can do as they wish with these notes, if they want to, but I'm just making sure that I have this stuff written down.

When counseling someone who is currently depressed/upset:

1. Focus on that person. Don't allow the subject to deviate from the person, and do not try and swing the conversation to focus upon yourself. You're trying the counsel the person, not tell them about your day.

2. Give them control of the conversation, to an extent. Although you don't want the person to humble themself and redirect the conversation just for the sake of redirecting it, don't pester the person either. Finding the line here can be difficult.

3. Find importance in what has the person upset, it wouldn't have that person upset if it wasn't important to him or her.

4. Don't joke, or swerve the subject, don't try to lighten the person's mood with humor, it will make the person feel that you don't feel like talking about them.

5. Don't compare scars. When a person is upset, the last thing that he or she wants to be told is that others hurt more than that person. It will destroy the person's self image, make them feel as if you don't care, or look down upon them for their sadness. You can't guilt a person out being depressed.

6. Listen unconditionally. Giving advice isn't even as important as letting the person completely vent their thoughts, and to do so you must listen to them when they're venting, and pay attention.


As of now that's all I have. Other than that, here's a song that I like.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=scyXEMow5Sw&feature=related (video)

"Look around
Where do you belong
Don't be afraid
You're not the only one

Don't let the day go by
Don't let it end
Don't let a day go by in doubt
The answer lies within

Life is short
So learn from your mistakes
And stand behind
The choices that you make

Face each day
With both eyes open wide
And try to give
Don't keep it all inside

Don't let the day go by
Don't let it end
Don't let a day go by in doubt
The answer lies within

You've got the future on your side
You're gonna be fine now
I know whatever you decide
You're gonna shine

Don't let the day go by
Don't let it end
Don't let a day go by in doubt
You're ready to begin
Don't let a day go by in doubt
The answer lies within."

"The Answer Lies Within"
Dream Theater
Octavarium