The article presents the significance of various forms of informal, extra-institutional help, offered to people who experience critical life events or undergo liminal experiences. The authoress describes various everyday support practices (showing interest, accompanying, taming, verifying resources, exchanging experiences). By using experiences of anthropologists of language, she attempts to show and define the concept of performative counseling, and indicates the power and efficiency (actual and symbolic) of statements made by informal advisers, which in a given context become agents that act, help, etc. The article presents how everyday informal forms of assistance can influence an individual to devote effort (both cognitive and behavioural) to reduce tension, regulate emotions, solve problems. Moreover, the article describes the ways that may lead to acquisition and activation of self-help mechanisms in people undergoing liminal, traumatic experiences
The family, traditionally ascribed the task of introducing young people into social life, supporting them in difficult or crisis situations, is presently perceived as helpless in relation to unclear, incomprehensible present and unpredictable future. In the article, the author shows some new areas in which youngsters seek help and support. Community websites and students' blogs are presented as the space in which counseling practice is initiated and realized. It is informal, incidental, often anonymous, noncommittal and available to young people at their 'beck and call'.
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