[ It's an astute question. Certainly one of the less irritating ways he's been asked how counseling works since arriving here ā it at least makes him think, and provides nuance to the discussion.
He touches his chin thoughtfully, his gaze wandering up and away from Li Lianhua as he speaks, the words slow and considerate. ]
That's one of the many struggles of being an effective counselor. I can't let my own beliefs derail how I react to the things that my patients tell me, or the advice that I give. But then, we're only human, aren't we? It's impossible to eliminate those beliefs entirely. They still color our interactions, even if only slightly.
[ His head tips to one side, as if weighing another perspective. ]
Then again, erring too much in the opposite direction by only telling people what you believe they want to hear isn't helpful either. It can quickly become disingenuous, and even enable people to continue unhealthy behaviors. You have to know when to disagree and push people. Ultimately, it's important to be authentic in what you say, no matter where it falls on that spectrum.
[ And then he rights himself, sitting up straighter and roving his eyes back to Li Lianhua with a smile. ]
As for what I said to you just now, I would say that it's more like Iā
[ And then, with no warning whatsoever, the dream abruptly freezes in place for a few moments before dropping away, both of them returned to the ether between sleep and wakefulness.
no subject
He touches his chin thoughtfully, his gaze wandering up and away from Li Lianhua as he speaks, the words slow and considerate. ]
That's one of the many struggles of being an effective counselor. I can't let my own beliefs derail how I react to the things that my patients tell me, or the advice that I give. But then, we're only human, aren't we? It's impossible to eliminate those beliefs entirely. They still color our interactions, even if only slightly.
[ His head tips to one side, as if weighing another perspective. ]
Then again, erring too much in the opposite direction by only telling people what you believe they want to hear isn't helpful either. It can quickly become disingenuous, and even enable people to continue unhealthy behaviors. You have to know when to disagree and push people. Ultimately, it's important to be authentic in what you say, no matter where it falls on that spectrum.
[ And then he rights himself, sitting up straighter and roving his eyes back to Li Lianhua with a smile. ]
As for what I said to you just now, I would say that it's more like Iā
[ And then, with no warning whatsoever, the dream abruptly freezes in place for a few moments before dropping away, both of them returned to the ether between sleep and wakefulness.
Not for long on Maruki's part, though. He very quickly bolts awake, suffocated.
Sorry, sickly little lotus flower! Please come again sometime. ]