An Alternative to Counseling
Sometimes you need somebody on your side.
Sometimes you need someone to listen to you without judgment and, in a nutshell, this is what Friendly Listening Service is all about. When you are talking with Friendly Listening Service no one is making a diagnosis of you, analyzing you, fitting you into a chart of case studies, or using any sort of therapeutical dogma; no; you are simply being listened to.
Friendly Listening Service is not counseling and it is not mental health therapy. The listener at Friendly Listening Service is not licensed or certified and does not claim to have any special expertise. Your listener at Friendly Listening Service does not sit above you in some kind of professional judgment. You are promised no judgment, absolute confidentiality, and that your word matters.
Keywords: Counseling, Online Counseling, Online Therapy, Alternative to Counseling, Counseling Alternative
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
2 months
What is your primary product or service?
It is a new and different business, but it is simply a service that provides a friendly ear for people. It is not professional counseling, but it provides an outlet for people to talk, and if they wish, receive constructive feedback.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I had the idea several years back. I thought I came up with the idea, but there are many other businesses of this type out there. My background is in human services and design.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
There is only one other in Southern California that I have come across. I talked to the woman who runs that business and she and I operate very similarly. If someone didn't want to talk to me, she seems really nice too? What makes me different? I am me!
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
My primary location is online, utilizing Zoom, and covers the entire country.
Provide detailed directions to your location
I don't have clients visit me in my home, but I reside in San Diego, CA.
What type of payments do you accept?
Credit Cards and Pay Pal. I use a Wix site so I use their app for payments.
Which areas do you service?
The entire United States of America!
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
I, Joseph Alford do.
What are your hours of operation?
Monday through Friday and -some- Saturdays.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
That I am a good parent to my children.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
I once met a guy in a hostel in Ireland and he said something to me that has lasted ever since. "Not everyone is equal. Some people can run faster, some can jump higher, some can do more complicated math in their head, etc.... But everyone is equally valid."
It's a simple point that I have taken to heart.