The Shrink

I just had 2 1 hour "counseling sessions". Me being the counselor. I talked to them about their problems, one about her relationship and the other also somewhat related to a past relationship, but a bit more complicated. From time to time, I would find myself in these sessions. Mostly with my former and current office mates/staff, my friends and even exs. They would come to me for advice on matters of the heart, their careers among other things, about life.

It is very flattering for me, I mean, why would they want to consult me on such matters that could influence if not change their lives entirely. I still wonder why but maybe because...

... I've been in and out of relationships that they know I can talk based on experience
... they needed someone to tell them what they don't want to hear but needed to hear
... i was a good example (i hope)
... they look up to me, me being their boss
... i sound profound (shet!)
... they needed an outlet and I'm a good listener
... they value my opinion
... they trust me
... I'm their friend
... they know i care (i wouldn't do these things for people i don't give a shit)


I just hope that by talking to me, I was able to help them and inspired them to do the right things. I don't want to lead them into something that would be detrimental to them

I even, somewhat, have my rules of engagements for these sessions:

1. Listen
2. I will always, as much as possible, talk base on my own experience
3. Listen
4. Treat them like adults
5. Listen
6. I will not tell them what to do, but I will let them know what I would have done in a similar situation. But at the end of the day, it will be their call
7. Listen
8. "Ask questions"
9. Listen
10. I'll be honest (brutally frank if needed)
11. Listen
12. Be the devil's advocate

It is flattering being a shrink, but the responsibilities are enormous. I just hope that I do a good job

ps - i got the term "shrink" from a "friend", a shrink used to refer to a psychiatrist, but over the years, its meaning has broadened and now it can be used with respect to just about any professional who does counseling or psychotherapy