Talbot - "Nothing too cryptic, you have basically said to be a Samaritan you have to put up a facade.
Not at all.
We are all individuals, but we all adjust our perceived persona according to our circumstances – you are different at work than you would be with your friends, or at home, or with a loved one, or at a football match … the list goes on, we all temper our outward attitude depending on our environment, but that does not change who we are, nor does such behaviour represent a ‘façade’.
To be an effective Samaritan counsellor, you need to listen, and encourage the caller to talk to you. That means you shelve your views, or advice, your opinions, your interruptions. This is not a chat, it is someone telling you something they are unable to confide in anyone else, and keeping your own personality out of the mix simply assists that situation.
That is not pretending to be someone you are not, it is merely shielding your personality because it is not needed here – just your willingness to listen and attempt to understand where possible.
So no, there is no ‘façade’ involved – once again I hope I have corrected in misunderstanding – but do post back if you have further opinions or statements – this is exactly what is done here!