How Does a Counsellor Differ from a Friend

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How does a counsellor differ from a friend? Introduction This essay will explore the question; How does a counsellor differ from a friend? Firstly it will define, for the purpose of this discussion, the meaning of both a friend and a counsellor. It will then review some of the differences of the two but also the similarities and how these present themselves within the two categories of Friend and Counsellor. Throughout the essay I will draw on my own personal experiences of the friendships that I have been exposed to in my lifetime. I will also draw on my experiences of finding a counsellor and embarking on two separate series of counselling, one as part of a couple in a troubled relationship the other, several years later, as part of my desire to change my approach to relationships after experiencing a repetitive negative experience with men. For the purpose of this essay I have chosen to follow Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics, Book VIII) in distinguishing three kinds of friendship: friendships of pleasure, of utility, and of virtue. Utility, meaning to do something together to share some common work or task, this could be a work or professional based friendship where you work together to achieve a common goal. Pleasure being that you share the same hobby or interest whether this is gardening or a sporting activity, similarly to the utility friendship this is centered on something external to the friendship. The third category and the base for my distinction between a counsellor and a friend is virtue. This category is based on the theory of caring for some one for whom they are themselves, whom you enjoy and value their character and the things they represent. Within this category I define a friend to be some one you choose to form a close mutual bond with. A bond within which you equally trust, show affection and care for each other’s wellbeing. There is
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