What does it mean to be an active listener?
Empathy | Compassion | Understanding | Support

In a chaotically busy world full of distractions, it can feel lonely when it seems there is no one who is able to truly hear you. As Friends with the Forest, our team often talks to trees (they are amazing listeners), but we understand that human-human connection can feel profoundly meaningful when words and energy are reciprocated. Members of Friends with the Forest strive to make the world a better place for all inhabitants and are happy to offer their support to the local community in Swain County. We can also arrange for phone conversations or virtual chats if you happened to hear about us and are not from the area.

Pricing: Our philosophy is that living beings are more important than money ever could be. That said, we still live within a system operated by the exchange of currency. If you are not able to afford paying for listening services, we are happy to offer a free session. If you appreciate our philosophies and would like to contribute to our efforts to ease suffering and create more joy for others, please consider using the paid option.

What does a professional listener do?

Friends with the Forest listeners understand that it's often easier to give someone else advice than to offer advice to ourselves. Our listeners take on the role as mirrors to reflect your thoughts back to you in a comfortable, unbiased, and nurturing environment. We always have the answers we're looking for, but when there's no one to talk to, it can be challenging to sort through the thoughts in your mind to find those answers. For 30-60 minutes of uninterrupted time, you will have the opportunity to share your heart and mind, so that our listeners can help you decipher your soul's desires to create your best life. We also can provide grief support if you need someone to connect with who can empathize with your pain.

A professional listener is NOT a counselor, psychiatrist, or psychic reader. Through our team's personal experiences, we have observed that conventional counseling and therapy is not for everyone, and may even be counterproductive in certain life circumstances. In addition, professional counselors can be expensive and inconvenient, making these services limited to those who can afford them. Friends with the Forest listeners have found their way to happiness through learning to connect with people and it is their genuine passion in life to actively listen to and help those in need. We do not judge or express opinions/predictions about your personal situation. We cannot give any medical advice.

Even though we are often surrounded by others, like family or close friends, we can still experience different levels of individual loneliness. Our busy societal lives can be further complicated by significant losses, relationship dynamics, and other major unexpected life changes. On top of standard societal chaos, the universe is undergoing expansion and many are experiencing a phenomonon known as "awakenings" which can look like signs of mental illness. It is sometimes difficult and often impossible for those around us to take the time to truly listen to us, even for just a few minutes. Plus, even if others could spare the time to listen, most people in today's world lack the skills necessary to be an effective non-bias active listener. For many years, people have been conditioned to living in their heads and cannot fully process the words of others.

Friends with the Forest listeners hear your thoughts and feelings in complete and total confidentially without any type of judgements made about the discussions. We will not share our stories unless requested, as sessions are for you to speak your mind freely. We hope to give you a safe place to dig deep into your own mind and remember the you who you've always wanted to be.