Project — report and self-reflection on a conversation

In this activity you'll complete a project. You're asked to reflect on a pastoral care conversation — in other words, to engage in self-reflection.

We suggest you visit or speak with a friend. After the conversation (and not in the person's presence), record the conversation in writing, and reflect on the visit using the headings below as your guide. The main aim of this project is to enable you to put into practice the skills and understandings you've developed.

It's emphasised that this project is a little "self-centred," in that while you're trying to show you care for your friend, you're also trying to develop and refine your own caring skills. The reflection, then, should be on yourself, not on your friend.

The report should be strictly for your own use. Privacy is important when having caring conversations with people — please note that you do not share the conversation or report with anyone. You aren't asked to submit it to PFP for "marking"! The conversation might be anywhere between 10–15 minutes. (Please don't audio record the visit, or take notes during your conversation.)

If you wish, you may like to "create" a conversation for yourself. This can be challenging, since you need to think through the other person's possible directions as well as your own responses. You may find it easier to recall a conversation you've already had with someone else.