Supportive Listeners
We are building a team of what we are calling Supportive Listeners (SL). Our vision is to make a difference in the lives of those who need to be heard. All of us need to be understood, cared for, missed, know that we matter to at least one other person. At one time or another we all need to be heard, not simply our words, but our heart, our emotions our very soul, needs to be heard.
Who can speak to a Supportive Listener?
Anyone. You are welcome to speak to a Supportive Listener for any reason and on any topic as long as you are simply wanting to be heard and understood. We especially want to serve those who have suffered trauma of various kinds. Natural disasters, wars, terrorist attacks and so much chaos has happened in the world lately. We want to do what we can to let you each know that you DO matter.
Do I need to make an appointment to speak with a Supportive Listener?
No. As our Community grows, we hope to have an abundance of Supportive Listeners here for whenever anyone needs to talk. Right now, since this community is new, things are quiet and we are just beginning the training for our new Supportive Listeners.
Are Supportive Listeners Counselors?
No. Supportive Listeners are people who want to help others feel heard. Supportive Listeners are volunteers. Their gift is that of listening. They, their words, their opinions and their behaviors are never to be construed as that of a professional such as a counselor, therapist, doctor, attorney or any other professionally trained occupation.
What if I am suicidal?
Supportive Listeners are here to support you as you work through your pain. If you are truly considering suicide, you need to be talking with someone in your local area. Supportive Listeners are not expected to keep anyone from hurting themselves or others. This Community is not about being a "suicide hotline". Our Listeners may end a conversation with you, and encourage you to speak to someone in your area if they get a sense that you are too unstable to continue telling your story.
Are there other reasons that might cause Supportive Listeners to end their Listening with me?
If you
- become abusive or disrespectful
- threaten anyone on this site
- use your sad story to sell something
- purposefully try to cause mental anguish to a Listener or visitor.
Who can become a Supportive Listener?
If you are at least 18, you enjoy listening to people, and you truly want to give others a sense of being heard, please consider applying to become a Supportive Listener.
Do I need to have experience of some kind?
Having experience would make things easier, but it's just fine if you don't have any "real" experience, life itself is a great teacher. You are required to go through the 8 week Supportive Listening Course to give you an idea of what to do. You will also be meeting with other Listeners on a regular basis to help with any questions or concerns you may have as you begin to practice your new skills.
Can you tell me step-by-step how the process works?
Yes, here's how it goes:
- Just send an email to let us know you want to apply.
- You will receive an email with some questions for you to answer.
- Just reply to that email with your answers.
- Upon approval, complete the Supportive Listening Online course.
- Graduates receive the SL- designation preceding their name, and moderator rights and password.
- Attend regularly scheduled online support meetings for Supportive Listeners.
- Commit to spending a minimum of 3 hours a week in the Online Community as a Supportive Listener.
- Agree to maintain Supportive Listener Guidelines
Guidelines
Listeners agree to keep their personal information private, and agree to help others do the same. This is a safety guideline. Please remember that even though we are creating a Spiritual Community there are many levels of maturity. Stay aware, take care of yourself and use good judgment in connecting with others.
As a Supportive Listener, your gift is that of listening. Listeners are NOT here to "fix" others, instead we are here to support others as they "fix" themselves.
Listeners agree to do their best to stay aware that during the time when they are acting as a Supportive Listener, with the SL- preceding their name, Listeners are putting their own issues aside for that moment.
When Listeners are NOT acting as a Supportive Listener, you agree to enter the Online Community without using your special designation of SL-. This designation is like wearing a name tag to help our visitors know who has completed the Supportive Listening Course and who is in the place to offer their Supportive Listening gift to others.
As a Listener, you agree to do your best to be present with your speaker. This means stay focused on the Community, don't try to do several things at once while you are Listening to another person.
As a Listener you are your own person, you are responsible for you and your behavior. Even though visitors may associate Supportive Listeners with this Online Community, you do not actually represent, Spiritual Online Community or any of its sponsors.
