Meet a ‘Conscious Conversationalist’
Austinmer’s Ben Owen shares the story behind his new service I’m Illawarra born and bred, with a psychology degree from Wollongong Uni. In a previous role I used to receive calls from distressed people in need of a listening ear and added to my...
Austinmer’s Ben Owen shares the story behind his new service
I’m Illawarra born and bred, with a psychology degree from Wollongong Uni. In a previous role I used to receive calls from distressed people in need of a listening ear and added to my qualifications by completing a short course from Lifeline.
I realised the positive impact that my studies, empathetic nature and my own personal life experiences had in enhancing my ability to listen to and assist people. Eventually, I quit my corporate career to start helping others full-time.
Society is more complex, yet we’re disconnected. Countless articles report increased levels of loneliness, isolation, anxiety and depression.
I saw an opportunity to offer a new point of connection in the space between traditional therapy and confiding with friends or family.
The service I offer, called Conscious Conversations, is designed as a precursor (and hopefully a preventative) to counselling. It’s for those who require a cathartic release, who are lonely or need an independent trusted confidante.
It’s less formal than counselling, designed to enable clients to never feel analysed, assessed, labelled or treated. And yet it’s confidential, unbiased and independent, all facets that separate it from the help often received from loved ones.
Consultations include phone/virtual, walk and talk, coffee chats or a unique grounding ‘small talk’ offer (making a bonsai while chatting).
