Bernard . .

You're entitled to your view of the Samaritans, but I think it's quite wrong, generally (though clearly it's true for you). As you say, listening is what they are trained to do . . and there's plenty of evidence that they do provide an invaluable service. Also - as I understand it - they are pretty "hot" on referrals to a "face to face" support service.

Also, there are many folks who find it easier to talk to a total stranger, and even find the impersonal nature of a phone connection helps.

(All of which is totally irrelevent to the central concerns of this thread!)

G.