Who Are You Now?
Your Own Story

A young man called one day on the Teacher. 'I am seeking happiness' he said, 'and I am prepared to study hard. Will you please recommend some books for me to read?'

'You need learning and you need wisdom, these two separate things.' That's what the Teacher said first, by way of reply. 'You get learning by listening to stories and reading books, and talking and thinking about them. Yes, I can recommend some books. But it's more important to listen to stories than to read them. Hearing and listening, I assure you, are more important than reading and studying.'


'And wisdom?' asked the young man. 'How do I attain wisdom?'

'You get wisdom' replied the Teacher, 'by listening to your own story. You are a book and you have to read and study the book which is you.' The young man looked puzzled.

'And it's difficult, very difficult' continued the Teacher. 'Because every day there's a new page, and every moment there's a new word, in the book which is you.'

Angela Wood & Robin Richardson (1992:14) 'Inside Stories' Trentham Books

Facilitated Personal Development Groups are a safe place where groups of people can begin to reflect on who they are, what they do, and how they can support and challenge one another with empathy and respect.  This is a place where individuals can reflect on their current practice, and through using self-disclosure, insight and feedback, discover ways in which their practice can be improved.  This is for all people who want to discover creative ways of working and being.  The focus of these groups might include: effective teams, parenting skills, community groups, men's/women's groups.  Please note that these groups are not suitable for those wanting to explore deep personal issues, or who may already feel that they are emotionally stretched.  One to one counselling might be more appropriate for this. 

PROGRAMME 2009

 Can you hear me?
(A short Personal Development course in Listening Skills and Self Awareness)

We are offering a series of 6 week courses - an introduction to listening skills and self awareness.

Duration: 12 hours with two tutors
Cost: 120 pounds. If there is any difficulty paying this amount, please contact Annie Lawton on the number below.

Enquiries, or to go on mail list for future courses: Annie Lawton on 01603-702262 or annie@lawtons.org.uk orAndrea Rippon on 01603-766016 or andrea@whoareyounow.co.uk

Are you listening to me?
Do I ever feel really listened to, heard, understood?
How well do I listen to others – to my friends, my partner, my children?
Can I listen to myself?
Do I know how I feel in different situations, as I meet different people?
Do I know what that might mean?

This course will be based on the person-centred approach to counselling and will give you the opportunity to develop your understanding and practice of active listening and relating in a way that embodies an attitude of genuine, non-judgemental understanding. There will be experiential group work to help foster the self awareness needed to develop these essential qualities. There will be opportunities to practice listening to others using listening skills in a caring, respectful and open manner and you will be encouraged to reflect and learn.




Please see my Counselling Skills/Theory courses which offer another safe and supportive environment for you to reflect on your personal development (who are you?) as well as your listening skills.  This will raise your self awareness and may help you to be more confident in the future.

You?  Facilitated Personal Development Groups  Now?
CONTACT ME
if you would like me to tailor-make a programme for you or your organisation