ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the practice of counselling of adults, by adults. The important topic of counselling and support of teenagers and children is beyond the scope of what follows, due to space limitations. 'Personal shepherding' in The Family International (TFI) extended to teaching, offering advice and guidance, supervising the members' spiritual and practical life, mentoring, offering correction and more. The chapter considers the majority of TFI members being well-meaning and sincere, much of the teaching and practice regarding counselling and mental health in TFI was irresponsible on the part of the leadership, and perhaps on occasion negligent to a serious degree. Managing the practical aspects of a post-TFI life can be a daunting task; re-establishing identity is a further challenge. The process of 'relearning the world' and recovering a 'sense of daily purpose' as described in the context of grief are apt for an individual whose life has been framed by TFI's teachings and structure for decades.
