Cynth, what on earth makes you think that I consider myself to be qualified to be a counsellor?

OK, I've been on the receiving end of counselling a few times in my life, and even recently participated in a 5-day seminar called "An Introduction to Counselling Skills", but no way would I be so foolish or arrogant to suggest that I actually am qualified in the skills that are required of a real counsellor.

And - correct me if I'm wrong - but I don't think you have any qualifications in counselling either. Doubtless you've learned something about it as a consequence of the therapy you've had over the years, and I'm not trying to belittle your understanding in any way. But, Cynth, it doesn't make you a counsellor any more than if I broke a leg, it would mean that I could set other people's fractures. Know what I mean?

One thing I've found through my involvement with the Rajneesh movement is that the attraction of considering oneself "wise" enough to be able to counsel other people is a dangerous path. Not just for oneself, but more importantly for the people who can be harmed in the process. I learnt recently that a counsellor's primary commitment is to maintain a "respectful, positive regard" toward the client at all times.

Until I can show such a regard to all people, regardless of their faults, foibles and follies, I know I've not got the skills to be a counsellor. And if I pretended I did, I'd just be f**king with their lives, and quite probably laying my own judgement trips on them, stifling their true expression, and harming them in the process.