This course enables participants to do more than listen. Caring empathetic people have a high level of appeal to those seeking clarity in the confusing domain of emotional distress.
It is offered in the belief that caring people, if equipped with a robust theoretical framework, can do more than listen. The insights come from a new approach to emotional health that represents, in the words of Professor Alex McGlaughlin (Nottingham Trent University): "the best organising idea in the mental health field today, largely because it both accounts for why people become mentally ill and gives us a reliable way to go about doing something about it".
Now of course, the last thing emotionally distressed people need is someone with a handful of useful ideas telling them what to do. As a former psychotherapist in private practice, I am well aware that what takes place between friends in conversation is very different to professional therapeutic intervention. However as a teacher of psychology for senior high school students, I am also aware that non-professional individuals can be empowered with good ideas that can raise their effectiveness beyond a 'good listener'.
I offer the insights and ideas here, and have every confidence that each participant will decide how they choose to use them either in conversation or in a more focused way to ensure that their listener moves more toward flourishing and away from mere survival. I am also confident that when this happens, whether lines have been crossed or not will be of little concern to either of you.