Just got back from my personal issues and will mesaage back soon! Hey, my name is Ash!  I am here to listen to whatever struggles you're dealing with.  About Me (Wow :p) I love to draw and read in my pastime  I am verified<3 My favorite color is purple Any pronouns are good Experiences I have had- ADHD Anxiety/Social Anxiety Breakups Family Stress Panic Attacks Self-Esteem Student life Topics I don't take- I will try to listen and support you in every way I can but these are just some I can´t take for personal reasons. Most of them are because I am not well educated in them but soon will be <3 Alcohol/Drug Abuse - personal Bipolar - learning Cancer - personal  Chronic pain - personal  Diabetes - learning Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) - learning Domestic Violence - personal Eating Disorder - learning  Grief - learning Sexual Health - personal  🌻 I am open to more 1-1 chats :-) 🌻 My status meanings  Green - I am online, please feel free to pm to chat 💚 Orange - I am busy at the moment, but will reply try and reply asap 🧡 Red - I am not online, but will reply within 24 hours ❤️ From your friend Ash : p ~ ~ ~ To my bestie GreedyCat...I love youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu and miss youuuuuuu

*** I am really sorry but I am giving up all my site roles as of November due to my health issues and personal life taking over. So I probably wont be responding to messages. *** When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.  -Harriet Beecher Stowe Hello everyone! *Waves* Its me, River. Welcome to my bio <3  For members:  I am here to listen about anything you want to talk about and be there for you. I might not be able to lessen your pain but I will try to share your pain and understand the situation you might be at the moment. I am also totally okay to talk randomly if you are feeling alone and ask icebreaker questions to eachother. I am usually good at chat related to depression, anxiety, relationship issues, BPD, forgiveness, grief, trauma and abuse. I. however am not taking sexual chats, sorry about it! <3  For Listeners: I have been around 7cups from more than 2 years, so if you need any help about anything related to 7cups, please dont hesitate to leave a pm. My involvement in 7cups:  Forum Mentor Leader: I work on logistic and organization side of forum team and help with trainings and onboarding of forum team members. I am around if you ever have any questions regarding forums and leadership positions related to it in general. Forum Mentor: I am a global forum mentor <3  Global group mod: I help in group rooms to keep them safe place for everyone. <3  My special twins:  @Love8890 (She is mah soul sistah <3 We also confuse people all around due to same pfp hahahaha! I love ya Sel sel <3 ) @HeyItsRoo (Caught chu :p I miss catchiing youu <3 ) *passes out cookies for reaching till the end of mah bio*  

Currently not accepting 1-on-1's. ¡Olé! Welcome to my profile. I will try to help you in any way I can; be it exploring thoughts, feelings and behaviours or casual talks and pun battles. I assure you, you'd be in a sticky situation. Currently working on: a platform for mental health support and information. twin: @LilyBlossom21

- ON A BREAK -                                                                           A quasiperiodic crystal, or quasicrystal, is a structure that is ordered but not periodic. A quasicrystalline pattern can continuously fill all available space, but it lacks translational symmetry.                                                                          

Ambassador ------------------------- Thanks for stumbling into my profile :) It's very nice to see you! I'm Mel and I'm a young girl from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I'm a college student majoring in physics and I work as a teacher. I love explaining things - I think everybody deserves their chance at understanding a difficult matter, even if they need more time for it than someone else would.  I'm not much of a talker as a listener. I feel like it's very important that every single person out there has someone to rely on and be there for them. I want you to feel like you can tell me anything on your mind, feel heard, understood and never judged. That's what I aim for. I know I can't change your life nor magically solve your problems (Although I would really like to be able to do that) but I do can promise to be here, as much as possible and as much as you need. I'm your friend and I'll always care about you. I deal my own battles every day and I know that talking helps. You are never alone here. I would like to be a writer someday, because books mean a lot to me. Everything I want is what I write to be special for someone, if I could make at least one (only one) person feel something by something I wrote, I would already feel realized. Writing has always come naturally to me. It's who I am. As a kid, I would always grab a pencil and write, instead of drawing. I would always make stories up in my mind to tell other people. I would always write too much, speak too much, and take too long to tell an anecdote. I was born a storyteller. At the moment, I just do it for fun and for myself or my close ones. Anything else you would like to know about me, feel free to message me and ask, I'm pretty much an open book! and will love to get to know each other more. If you are around here and have any question or need someone to chat or you are a new listener and want a long term mentor to cheer on you and be happy for all your success - I'm your gal.  Much love, Mel. 

Hi there, I'm Jeremy but you can call me Jer! I am a gay male in my 20s. My many passions include music, dancing, sports (basketball), books, volunteering, and staying active. My preferred categories are listed, however feel free to leave a message if you want to get in touch even if I don't have your particular category listed. I ensure you that whatever you're dealing with, I will not judge you nor be unkind and I ensure to you that whatever we chat about will be confidential. If I am not online, I will get back to you as quickly as I am able to, mosty likely within 24 hours.

(I've stepped away from 7cups for the forseeable future.) Thank you for visiting my profile, you're welcome to hang around and read it. You can send me a message as well. I open 7cups once in a while so I'll reply to you if I see you hanging out:) However it will be an extremely delayed response.  https://www.7cups.com/forum/generalsupport/General_2440/Lavsupdatesthread_266226/?p=3 *spots a nice human* Hey there! I've dealt with a lot, and I want to let you know that if you are dealing with a lot too, you are not alone. It helps to just talk about stuff!!! Feel free to reach out and talk to someone-it helps. Please see- I am sorry if I am unavailable while you are reading this, so please talk to another listener [https://www.7cups.com/BrowseListeners/] if you want support now. Or if you want you can drop me messages and I'll reply within 48 hours. I am here for you! 💜I am now an ATL so both teens and adults can message me💜 Please note- I am generally unavailable for casual chats. 💜   💜💜Let's make it a happier place for everyone!!💜💜 Quick note- I am no longer an ambassador. For any VL related queries, please reach out to @ASilentObserver [http://7cups.com/@ASilentObserver] I can talk about most topics. Chats I am uncomfortable with- Self harm, a member under influence, parenting (like I'm uncomfortable talking about things from a parental point of view. If you want to talk about your parents, that's okay) Members- Please go through the first part of my bio before sending me a message/request (I've indicated till where). If that seems like a lot you can simply read the highlighted and underlined portions I chat for not more than 45 minutes at a time. I am here to listen compassionately and without judgement. The chat will be confidential.💜💜 I can talk about all topics except self harm and parenting. (You can talk about your parents, but not about your kids please).💜 I am uncomfortable chatting about self harm (due to personal reasons) If you want to talk about it please contact another listener. Also if you are thinking about doing it now then please contact a crisis resource 7cups.com/crisis [https://www.7cups.com/7cups.com/crisis] I am uncomfortable talking to members who are under the influence (of alcohol or any other narcotic substance) I am comfortable chatting with neurodiverse members and DID/OSDD systems. I do take chats about sexual assault, PTSD and LGBTQ+ issues💜💜 I do take chats on sexual health (but I am very selective here). Please don't ask me to control your urges or for any inappropriate "help". Please keep in mind that this website is for emotional support, and I would appreciate it if you can be respectful and considerate. I may be unfamiliar with some of the topics you may want to talk about, but I can read up on them during the chat or in-between chat sessions...since sadly I can't know everything (though I wish I did). However if I didn't mention a topic, I am comfortable talking about it. My triggers- Self-harm (and related descriptions). For all members- before reaching out to chat, please check my status- Red(offline)- I am offline and not replying. However you can still drop messages and I will get back to you later. Response time 48 hours Green(online)- I am online, free and open to your chat requests… Orange(Busy)- I am here but I already am talking to too many people here or busy somewhere on 7cups so I am unable to give you the attention you deserve. I recommend you to look for another listener by clicking here [https://www.7cups.com/BrowseListeners/].... Response time 3-4 hours max.  Note for all members Please note that if I am in the chatrooms and my status is offline, that means I am not currently available for chatting in the PMs.(Usually it means I am about to log out soon and therefore can't chat). In that case you can send me a PM and I'll get back to you in 48h. I do care about you a lot because you are an awesome person...I'll do my best to support you!! If I am unable to do so for any reason, please feel free to reach out to another amazing listener here [https://www.7cups.com/BrowseListeners/]. You may not be comfortable with me, and I totally respect that and want you to get the best help possible. My PMs are a safe space where you can talk about things, and I am here for you. I care for you all💜💜 I have been facing memory difficulties (due to dissociation), so I may not always remember details about what you tell me, or sometimes I might lose track of what you are talking about. I sometimes might also miss out on tags or messages for the same reason, in which case you are very welcome to follow up with me or tag me again within 2-3 days. Please bear with me on that, and remember that I am here for you, and I am trying my best. My sincerest apologies for the same. Also I'm slow to reply to tags so if it's urgent, message me the link to the post as well💜 *💜sends lots of love for you💜* Please note that I do not check in regularly (since I find it hard to keep track of that), so my listening style is more like you can peek in anytime you need support. Members whom I've spoken to before are welcome to drop a message when they need support as well💜.  Important note- I am a trained listener but I am not a professional therapist so I will be unable to give you advice and/or therapy-like support. You can still drop me a message if you want to talk about what you're struggling with, I'll be here to listen to you. If you are looking for professional therapy (paid) here at 7Cups and you are an adult then please click here [https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/?ob=1] Unfortunately 7Cups doesn't offer therapy for teens but I hope you get the support you need and deserve. Please note- I am unavailable for casual chats with anyone- be it listeners, members or friends due to time commitments. If you want to talk to me, poke my PMs anytime and I'll surely get back to you!! *💜sending comfy vibes💜* If you are willing to live chat with me, but can't spot me online, please drop me a message so we can discuss availabilities and schedule a chat. Looking forward to speaking to you! Please go through the part of my profile above this before sending me a request!   Some Quick resources for emergencies Crisis link here [http://7cups.com/crisis] or you can chat anonymously for crisis support here [https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/get-help-now/chat-with-a-counselor-now/]. For Self harm urges, alternatives here [http://7cups.com/forum/SelfHarmRecovery_65/InformationandResources_1079/DistractionsandAlternativeCopingStrategies_221562/] For panic attacks- here are grounding techniques [https://www.7cups.com/forum/TraumaticExperiencesCommunity_60/TraumaRecoveryResources_481/GroundingWhenTriggered_42512/], more grounding techniques [https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-article/grounding-techniques-article], breathing exercises (Youtube [https://youtu.be/vXZ5l7G6T2I] or Gif [https://i.imgur.com/bg6J9md.gif]) and muscle relaxation [https://youtu.be/I0wVZIxoe-Q]  A little bit about me ;) If you have lots of extra time, then maybe you may want to read my full bio- You could call me Lavender but everyone just calls me Lav. Some people like to call me cool nicknames like Little Lav, Lave, Lavy, Lavvie, Law(?), Empa, or even Lab (short for laboratory- I love lab)- so if you are too lazy to type Lavender and are bored of Lav then you can call me all that.   The lovely @courageousheart96 [http://7cups.com/@courageousheart96] dedicated an emoji to me (I'm so honoured hehe)- the lav heart💜💜 💜💜You can use pronouns they/them for me💜💜 I am an ace (asexual) and an ally for the LGBTQ+/MOGII community. I am currently a full time uni student in a STEM field (Biotech), which means time is tricky at times. But I try to be here as much as possible.  Some mental health issues that I live with are depression, PTSD, OSDD and chronic anxiety. Members please feel free to message me if you want to talk about these with a listener who has experience. Languages- I speak English, French (well I don't "speak" French well, it's kinda rusty) and I am trying to learn basic Korean. I also speak (but won't be chatting in) Hindi My trigger- self harm 💜Hugs are no longer a trigger for me💜 I said a lot already so I would prefer it if you don't come up with very personal questions (and please don't ask any personal questions for a second time). Please understand that is because I love my privacy and you should love your privacy too!  Also I run a snack-shop here at 7Cups, so there are cookies and cakes and all sorts of awesome stuff for everyone💜 As of now my primary focus is on supporting listeners on the site. Due to personal reasons it is not possible for me to be available regularly for live member support chats. I do live member chats on-and-off and I always update my bio accordingly. I am, however, always open to new members via slow pace chats. Members are always welcome to seek support from me by exchanging offline messages with a maximum response time 48 hours from my side. My favourite place on 7Cups is the PMland- so feel free to text me anytime and I'll surely get back to you within 48h. And my PMs are a spam-friendly space for all :) 💜💜 A quick note- My country shown changes from time to time, since it reflects the country I am currently in. This is to ensure transparency regarding the timezone I am in. I generally reply to all PMs within 48 hours. If I'm on a break or unable to reply timely for any reason I'll surely add that to the top of my bio. If I did not reply within this time, it does not mean I'm angry or anything, because of memory issues or technical glitches I may sometimes miss messages. My sincerest apologies for the same. So in that case please feel free to send me another message. Also response time may be a bit delayed on weekends but I'll try to ensure it's within 48 hours. 💜 You might know me from my previous username (empatheticLavender2924)- changed it since this one is simpler:) My roles here- 💜First and foremost- I am a verified listener [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ListenerLearningJourney_149/QualityProjectsVerifiedListeners_144/IWanttobeaVerifiedListener_46935/1/] which means I am someone who will try their best to listen to you. Members if you want to connect with a verified listener you can click here [https://www.7cups.com/BrowseListeners/?badge=121] 💜 [https://www.7cups.com/BrowseListeners/?badge=121]I am a  [https://www.7cups.com/BrowseListeners/?badge=121]listener verifier [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ListenerLearningJourney_149/ListenerVerificationProject_1839/JointheListenerVerifiersTeam_46938/1/], which means I can help other listeners here to get verified. So if you want to get verified [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ListenerLearningJourney_149/QualityProjectsVerifiedListeners_144/IWanttobeaVerifiedListener_46935/1/], or have any queries about being verified, drop me a message! I am also an ambassador for the VL team. 💜I am a Teen + Adult Quality Mentor [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ListenerLearningJourney_149/MentorsandTeenStars_1964/QualityMentorsAllyouneedtoknow_219055/] which means I can help listeners improve their listening skills. To reach out to a mentor please go to https://www.7cups.com/listener/listenerMentors.php. I am also a Listener Coach [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ListenerLearningJourney_149/ListenerCoachingProgram_2057/2021ListenerCoachingTeamGeneralInfo_251726/] which means I can reach out to you if you fill the Listener Coach Request [http://bit.ly/7CupsLC] form to improve listening skills. 💜I am also a Chat supporter [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ListenerLearningJourney_149/ChatSupport_101/WhatistheChatSupportbadge_227368/] so I can help listeners with ongoing chats when they are stuck. I can provide that immediate help in the listener rooms and if needed, PMs. 💜Peer Supporter [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ListenersOnlyForums_38/HeathersSpace_208/WhatisaPeerSupporter_15860/]- Dear listeners, if after a tough chat you need a safe space to talk, vent and process your emotions(related to the chat), please feel free to PM a peer supporter (me or anyone else here [https://www.7cups.com/BrowseListeners/?badge=98]) 💜Listener Learning Discussions Host [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ListenerLearningJourney_149/ListenerLearningDiscussions_1896/ListenerLearningDiscussionsTeamRecruitment_222848/]- I host listener learning discussions regularly to help listeners handle various chat topics better.  💜Safety patrol [https://www.7cups.com/forum/SafetyKnowledgeat7Cups_181/SafetyPatrolTeam_1685/CallingAllVerifiedListenersApplytoJointheProfilePatrolTeam_152025/1/]- I flag profiles with an inappropriate username/profile picture/bio so feel free to send me such profiles. I have attached hyperlinks so you can find out more about each of these roles. Feel free to check those out💜 Shout-outs: 💜💜Meet my awesome lovely almost triplets!!💜💜 @Rose644 [http://7cups.com/@Rose644] -An awesome angel- You are so kind and considerate. Also I love to smell your pfp lol. *hands Rose my fav book* Enjoy oldie-land at 7cups!!  @Hope2103 [http://7cups.com/@Hope2103] - Just like your name, you are full of hope!! You were a cheerful presence on 7Cups! I miss you so much!  Rose, Hope- I am so happy to know you and meet you here!!  My listener buddies- I love to see you around here @listeningsarinn [http://7cups.com/@listeningsarinn] @Izzy274 [http://7cups.com/@Izzy274] @Jenna [http://7cups.com/@Jenna] @InternalAcceptance [http://7cups.com/@InternalAcceptance] @CommunityModEden [http://7cups.com/@CommunityModEden] @courageousheart96 [http://7cups.com/@courageousheart96] @CommunityModChristine [http://7cups.com/@CommunityModChristine] @BubblegumWings1234 [http://7cups.com/@BubblegumWings1234]  (Please ignore the order...also sadly I can name only a few people here- though I have met many many listeners here and they are awesome too- so proud of them all💜) Hope and Music Zone Quoting some of my favourite inspiring lyrics- 🎵"Whatever hurts you is gonna pass and you'll have learn from it when it comes back...You'll be doing better, doing better"- (Louis Tomlinson) 🎵"They say home is where the heart is, but my heart is wild and free"-(Passenger) 🎵"When I get older, I will be stronger, they'll call me freedom just like a wavin' flag," (K'naan) 🎵"Let your heart sweet heart be the compass of your soul and you should follow it wherever it may go! When it's all said and done you can walk instead of run 'cause no matter what you'll never be alone."- (Lady A) 🎵"If, all the time, it feels like only a deep darkness lies ahead...And even the moonlight has fallen asleep, Believe my friend That the sunshine, your smile is hidden somewhere in plain sight. Somewhere away from this chaos There's a fresh start." (Translated from Hindi, Aaftaab, The Local Train) 🎵"The sun goes down and it comes back up, the world has turned no matter what. Oh if it all goes wrong, darling just hold on" (Louis Tomlinson) 🎵"Though there's rain outside, it'll be warm and dry, the thunder and lightning won't hurt you now. So go to sleep, my love."- (Ed Sheeran, Sandman) 💜💜Here are some comfort songs for you💜💜 Comethru [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO2viLEW-1A] (Jeremy Zucker) Sword from the Stone [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABFpMiKXz3o] (Passenger) Hello World [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al2DFQEZl4M] (Lady A) However it comes, wherever it goes [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TreWCNDX5M] (Passenger) Zero o clock - 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBWesVezIrc] (BTS)- this link has English subtitles Anyway [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HzpPl5a9EA](Noah Kahan) A gentle reminder I promise you can still make a beautiful life for yourself, even if you lost many years of it to abuse, mental illness or trauma💜  For any online friends of mine who are struggling with PTSD (or trying to heal and get better from stuff like depression) and hiding in my bio- I have a sweet analogy for you. Sometimes the weather is not good- sometimes it is sunny and sometimes cloudy and rainy. Sometimes the rain is a storm that destroys everything. The storm felt never-ending and overwhelming. However the storm has calmed down, and is not scary and risky anymore. The sunlight comes back, but all you can see is the damage from the storm (post-trauma effects). The damage looks terrible but you can't look away from it.  Here- I'll remind you- look how far you've come- you've survived the scary storm. That's amazing. There will be damage and that's totally ok. Remember you can make it through- since you survived the storms you are strong enough to slowly clean the mess and heal. That is sad as it will remind you of the storm, and the mess is huge. It takes time to clean up, but you can do this. I know you can. And to those friends of mine whose storms aren't over yet- I see you, I hear you. I know you too are doing your very best and did nothing to deserve this. It might feel like the storm will never end- it will be here forever. But the storm will be over. One day things will get better. And after that you might have to do the post-storm cleaning (or post-traumatic healing) and that is hard, but you got this. One day you'll look back on everything and be really proud of yourself- how hard you tried and how far you've come. If you feel like you are trying but tired, and scared and worried, I hear you. It is tiring to manage everything, and sometimes it is hard to talk about it. But if you want someone to be there for you- I am just one PM away. Come talk to me about it (or any other listener here). We are all here for you, and you can do it because you are amazing and brave. The end of my bio;) This bio is so long, smh so I'll stop here. Sending lots of healing beams for you, yes you amazing fairy!! You deserve love and support💜💜 Please see- I am sorry if I am unavailable while you are reading this, so please talk to another listener if you want support now. Or if you want you can drop me messages and I'll reply within 48 hours. I am here for you!! My PMs are open at all times for both members and listeners!  If you are an adult (listener or member) and can't PM me, you can tag me in a forum post anytime (by typing "@LavenderHere ") that way I'll get a notification and reply to you! Also random people lurking in my bio- you're welcome here (I spotted you hehe) *💜sends cookies💜* Also before I forget- 💜💜Congratulations on reaching the end of my bio!!!💜💜 *💜special cookies for you💜*

Hello Beasties ~ ! My name is Kaspar (CatzInTheCradle!)   I delight in the whimsical and ridiculous! My mind is easily distracted, so sometimes I have trouble finishing what I  

Hola soy Monica una oyente aqui para apoyarle. Puede hablar sobre de lo que esta en su mente.  Hello, I'm MonicaQu a listener glad that you came across my profile and more than welcome to message me.  I am able to talk to teens as I teach 15 and 16 years old. Also I can talk about most topics with adults about  anxiety, relationship problems, school problems just to name a few. I am able to talk about sex related topics but with not too much information. All other topics I'm fine with such as chats on Bipolar, depression and issues to do with Weight Management and Eating Disorders as I have family members who deal with these. You can message me offline to make an appointment . I'm free most weekends during the day or night and sometimes around 5pm until 6pm on Monday to Thursday. Or else you can send me daily messages telling me about your days. In my chats, I usually can talk for 40 minutes then continue another day and talk to only one person at a time. Listening to you, means a lot as I know some things you can't go to a friend or family member that it is easier to do where you are anonymous.  In my chats, you can expect a non-judgemental place and feel like you are talking to a friend.  I can take chats in English or Spanish.   For listeners,  I am a teen/adult listener and have been a member since 2014 so you can come to me for any problems or if you want to refer a chat you can tell them my username.  You can find me in Listener Support Room, or High School Room for teens. I am also part of the Spanish Speaking group so if you come across a Spanish speaker or you are a Spanish speaker yourself, send me a message. :)   Some cool information about me : I'm an Anthropologist and study Spanish at university. I have been in Ecuador for 3 and a half years now. I'm originally from New Zealand.  I have been involved in a variety of projects like the : Red Cross, Refugee Service and I am a yellow ambassador where students at my school could come to me to talk a bit like 7cups but in real life.  I really like coffee and like to use Stumbleupon as it interests me to see what random page I come across. I also like to destress by going to rumba (dancing latin rhythms at the gym)  

Hope I can help with a smile along the way.

(I'm currently on infinite break. I'm not sure myself when i would be back or even login to this. I'm really sorry and please look up for more amazing listeners in the browse listener page. I wish nothing but the best for each one of you) (It's much appreciated for you to read my bio first before chatting with me. Thanks) Hello there.  My name: Sya (any nickname is fine, up to you ^^) Feel free to talk or vent to me about your worries, problems and days. I would love to hear it all and to provide support as much as I could if you needed one. I don't mind having a casual chat. I'm an outgoing and go with the flow type of person so just let me know if you want to. I want both you and me to minimize wasting time for both of us, ok? A fun fact about me, I'm highly sensitive person so I could understand all your feelings at the moment so easily without being said. My availability: In all honesty, it's random. Like I may put myself on orange and red but I'm not actually doing anything in particular but sometimes I truly have things to work on around here. If you see me on green, you're very welcome to message me :) ~ Just leave me a message if you would love to talk if I'm not available at the moment. After all, who am I to turn down human's curiosity and prevent from our paths from getting crossed. I mean it's prefer for you to chat with available listener around here than waiting for my response.  These are the topics that I refuse to talk about so please take notes: Alcohol/Drug use Anything that includes the word 'Sexual' Lgbtq+ issues Abuse and Domestic Violence (or just any kind of violence) Parenting Eating Disorder Health Problems - If there are any other topics that I couldn't handle I'll let you know - Here's a random message for you: Roses are red, Violets are blue, I know you've done great, So free yourself from those blues! Ok it's lame but please do take the message. I mean it. Lastly, I wish your days ahead will be better. Thanks for reading my bio :)

I have a passion for counselling and I am striving for a career in this area of expertise. Confidentiality is first and foremost, and I hold boundaries with the same high regard. You are under no obligation to share information with me if it makes you uncomfortable. ------------------------- It is difficult for Listeners not to sound "like a robot" as we need to provide confidentiality not just for the individual, but also for ourselves. We must remain impartial and refrain from giving advice. Counselling is also known as "talking therapy" and we do exactly that. We help the individual come to their own conclusions and to do this, we must refrain from the possibility of leading the individual to an answer that may prove more harmful than helpful. So even though it may be (understandably) frustrating, it is more reliably effective than giving potentially harmful advice. It also helps the individual to maintain a level of independence by coming to their own conclusions without being lead to an answer. I hope this isn't a deterrent from looking for support from one of the Listeners available here as we have each individuals best interests in mind throughout each of our sessions.