Q How is a counsellor supposed to relate to a child who needs counselling? The counsellor at my organisation is so rough. She shouts at the children and is not pleasant. The children have complained to me. Should I report her to the coordinator of the programme?
A A counsellor should develop a friendly relationship with clients where good rapport, that is conver-sation, is established. The counsellor should accept the child client as he or she is, so that the child will feel free to express his or her feelings.
If a counsellor has cases that are more complex than he or she has training for, it is recommended that the cases be referred to professionals who have special training in the area of concern. If you notice that the counsellor is angry a lot of the time and is not acting professionally, please share your concerns with a responsible authority figure. Ensure that you document the concerns that you have when you go to discuss the issues. The counsellor him or herself may be stressed out and may need some counselling or a break from his or her responsibilities.
Q As a parent I am not comfortable with being in a counselling session with other parents of problem teenagers. I think that the counsellor should talk with the parents individually. Can I request this?
A Group meetings allow parents opportunities to share their experiences with other parents who are having similar problems. The counsellor will explain that the realisation that other parents are facing similar problems may provide comfort. Many times in group counselling, as parents listen to each other, they discover other ways of coping with the problems they have. You can request individual counselling.
Q The counsellor at my daughter's high school is referring her to art therapy. What does that entail?
A Art as therapy is generally used as a treatment to improve one's emotional state or mental well-being. It can be used to relieve stress, tension or help with self-discovery. Art therapy can be used to provide the individual with a deeper understanding of him or herself. Art therapists are trained to pick up on the things that people draw or write, the concepts that are usually difficult to express with words. This is usually an excellent method of therapy.
Orlean Brown-Earle, PhD, is a child psychologist and family therapist. Dr Brown-Earle works with children with learning and behaviour problems throughout the island and in the Caribbean. Email questions to helpline@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston.