Question...

[Erebus]

Does anyone here have any schooling, training, or experience in counseling or crisis hotlines?

I'm just curious if anyone has any credentials... especially the ones working on the guidelines for suicide cases.

[Aine of the Fae]

Some of us do have training :D

I have suicide prevention training, in informal as well as formal classes, as well as life experience. I can't speak for anyone else though.

[Raydreamer]

a friend of mine is training to be a psychologist...i could ask her to pop in from time to time if anyone should desire it. :)

[{Tigress}]

Yes. And those with special training will be the ones to handle the suicide cases. But, as stated in the guidelines, we are NOT here to offer professional advice -- if that's what you're seeking, we'll be glad to assist you in finding it. We're only here to give you someone to talk to and offer up personal advice based on our training and life experiences.

[Holly Ariadna]

I don't have professional training, but a lot of experience and I'm studying psychology.

[Klucky]

I have training, but do not have it as a profession.

-Klucky

[Ben Trismegistus]

FYI, the nature of "Peer" Counselors is that they're peers, not professionals.

[Aine of the Fae]

FYI, the nature of "Peer" Counselors is that they're peers, not professionals.

Thank you Ben!

It's true, this is for people who may not feel comfortable with a professional.

[Faeawyn]

In addition, in certain cases, the individuals will be guided to the approriate hotline number in their area so they can receive the necessary help they may need :)

[ravynbynorthwynd]

i've taken introductory psychology courses through my highschool, as well as i have read many many psychology textbooks on my own (i enjoy the subject!). also, i've done online research for about 2 years an a variety of topics.

[Aine of the Fae]

In addition, in certain cases, the individuals will be guided to the approriate hotline number in their area so they can receive the necessary help they may need :)

and we are working on building extensive resource list for both the US and other countries.

[Erebus]

FYI, the nature of "Peer" Counselors is that they're peers, not professionals.

True enough, but my big concern is not the counselling itself being done by experienced trained folks, but the rules and guidelines that the counsellors follow being made by experienced trained folks. I don't have any doubts as to the caliber of the volunteers, I just got worried that the framework for the system might be a little shaky if there weren't experienced people putting it together.

[{Tigress}]

I'm guessing you're asking about Aine and I since we're the ones who've taken Faeawyn's idea and run with it.

Neither of us have a degree in Counseling, although I did go to college for it -- just never graduated. We both have had crisis counseling training and between us we have 28 years experience in doing just this sort of thing.

Does that answer your question?

[Aine of the Fae]

And I have experienced crisis counseling on both sides of the fence. I'm also a trained spiritual counselor :D And my teacher was big on the whole psychological side, because before you can counsel someone spiritually you need to be aware if there are other issues.

[SilentDreams]

I have no professional training. But Ben described a peer counselor best. I would like to add that I will be having psychology classes soon.

[soilsigh aingeal]

I have no training but I have loads of experience and in most cases that could just be better so that the person in need has someone to talk to that can actually relate to them!

[Pan]

I do have training, and my old guidance counsellor in high school wanted me to follow in his footsteps.

Just remember, just because someone is a professional, doesn't mean they know what they're doing. I know -this- from personal experience.

[Cielamara]

I think this is a great idea. I've done a lot of peer counseling myself, and I'm thinking about taking part in this, as well. However, Erebus does have a point. If someone is having serious problems, there really should be a professional around to keep an eye on things. We don't want someone just offering comfort or whatever when there could be something really serious going on...though, I'm not knocking a comforting voice or a shoulder to cry on, in the least. I've survived on those and provided those for many years already. I'm just saying...have you thought everything through?

[Charise]

I have nearly 10 years of experience and training in crisis intervention and suicide prevention (I suppose working for the state govt. did have a few benefits after all)...they sent us to traing every year, some things twice a year (depending on the type of training) in order to stay up to speed on all that was required in order to do our best... and yet, I still make mistakes.. I guess that's part of being human ;)

editted to add: Reading through the experience and education that Selene and Aine have, as well as that of quite a few other's I've seen who have offered to volunteer.. and the sticky thread at the top of this forum explains that the councilors aren't offerening professional help or giving a diagnosis etc... they are just here to lend support where they can...that in and of itself is wonderful! :)