Companion name: Cass Kowitz

 

Feedback from: Alison Stone

 

Peer review of working with the relational ethics of MIECAT

 

Friday 17th Feb.

 

What I experienced of the procedures in your companioning

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I thought our mapping experience felt unclear and unsteady at first. You were open to discussion about this felt unsteadiness and you responded by being non-judgemental, open and willing to explore other approaches. I then felt safe and less anxious and was comfortable to proceed.

You stayed present and listened attentively. When we became a little stuck you explored statements that resonated and disregarded anything that had dissonance, continually checking in with me to see how I was feeling. You asked phenomenological questions about what was resonating and this led to a narrowing of topic and it felt like a flow had been established. Your phenomenological questions led to an access point which allowed some interesting points to arise. You drew lines on the map connecting the resonating subjects and this act of visually connecting the subjects enhanced the flow of exploration and helped information surface. You gently guided me through this process by being attentive, encouraging and fully aware and present throughout the companioning role.

 

What I experienced of relational ethics in your companioning

 

Throughout this process I felt your relational ethics maintained a respectful, open and curious approach. You respected my feelings of unsteadiness and anxiousness and gently guided me through this to create a safe space. You allowed me quiet time to reflect, this allowance of quiet time created a spaciousness and gave me an opportunity to explore ideas further and you continually gently guided me through the whole process.

Your body language was open, respectful and attentive which created a congruent flow and connection. By the end of the process I felt safe, respected and free to explore ideas that were surfacing. I felt that there was a strong connection between you, the process and me. I felt listened to and acknowledged without judgement.