http://counsellingresource.com/features/2007/11/06/suffering-self-society/ Looking at life through the prism of psychology, philosophy, mental health and more. Originally created by counsellor, psychotherapist and philosopher Dr Greg Mulhauser, this blog is now the work of an international team of contributors. Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:59:21 +0000 hourly 1 http://counsellingresource.com/features/2007/11/06/suffering-self-society/#comment-42069 Sarah Luczaj Thu, 08 Nov 2007 20:13:50 +0000 http://counsellingresource.com/features/2007/11/06/suffering-self-society/#comment-42069 Sounds as if you did some really valuable work, Margo, I'm sure many families are grateful to you for giving them that opportunity to be heard...which always changes things somehow. Thanks for sharing your experience! Sounds as if you did some really valuable work, Margo, I’m sure many families are grateful to you for giving them that opportunity to be heard…which always changes things somehow. Thanks for sharing your experience!

]]> http://counsellingresource.com/features/2007/11/06/suffering-self-society/#comment-42042 Margo Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:43:24 +0000 http://counsellingresource.com/features/2007/11/06/suffering-self-society/#comment-42042 I so appreciate your post. I was a Social Worker for the state services to children and families for twenty years. No matter the situation, looking back now I can see that the one very important thing I was able to do was to really listen to the parents. Few expected it, few felt it important that I did, and it often took quite a while before they could articulate their needs or concerns or hopes. It was important that they do so, as I can see that you understand. This did not mean I would not act to make sure the children were safe and getting basic needs met. It meant using the crisis to break up the pattern of seeing themselves and their children as passive (or aggressive) objects rather than as capable human beings. I so appreciate your post. I was a Social Worker for the state services to children and families for twenty years. No matter the situation, looking back now I can see that the one very important thing I was able to do was to really listen to the parents. Few expected it, few felt it important that I did, and it often took quite a while before they could articulate their needs or concerns or hopes. It was important that they do so, as I can see that you understand. This did not mean I would not act to make sure the children were safe and getting basic needs met. It meant using the crisis to break up the pattern of seeing themselves and their children as passive (or aggressive) objects rather than as capable human beings.

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