How I Introduce People to RC
This is an important issue. [See Diane Shisk’s ‘Welcoming New People to RC’ article.]
I live in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, and am the contact person here for new people interested in RC. When I meet with someone, I review the purpose and process of RC. We also have a couple of mini-sessions. I try not to counsel on “deep” issues; and if I cry, shake, or yawn, I explain why I’m doing that.
When it’s appropriate, I set up a “support group” that includes the person and some experienced Co-Counselors. This gives the new person the opportunity to see other examples of counseling and clienting. If it seems appropriate after that, the person is referred to a fundamentals class. The teacher of that class then provides additional information, answers questions, and decides if it’s appropriate for the person to be in the class.
Sometimes people drop out of class because of the commitment expected, or because they feel like it is too “structured.”
I’m interested in hearing from others.
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Reprinted from the e-mail discussion list for Area Reference Persons
(Present Time 204, July 2021)