Contrasting attitudes of Friend counsellors 1992
1992
“I had spoken
to a Friend counselor in a face-to face situation and he was very supportive. He
just said 'Be careful because of your age.' I was nineteen, twenty at the time.
'Good Luck. I think you'll be alright.' He wasn't looking to sexually exploit me
or anybody. He seemed quite genuine. After a few weeks of going to the Friend
Socials I met another counselor and I was just curious to ask questions. ‘ Where
does it come from? Is it genetic? Is it a domineering mother?’ His reaction was
an aggressive one. He turned round and said 'It's in nature. Animals do it.' I
was kind of taken aback by his attitude bearing in my mind that counseling meant
to be non-directed, non judgmental and empathic. He did take me to The Jester
and kind of said 'Get on with it.' He said he was going on to other places like
the Nightingale; I wasn't prepared to go. I was grateful for him showing me
around”.
Contributed by: Derek, 35