As a American-trained Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I have been amazed by the lack of concern on how to find an effective form of therapy for teens here in Ireland. I am sure this blog post will have its detractors, but I tend to say what needs saying. It is imperative that we focus on finding effective forms of therapy for teens. I would love to see Ireland put its money where its mouth is and invest in the nation’s youth.
Mental well being needs to be a priority!
Children and teens in America are able to see their School Counsellor during the school day, while Irish teens are not afforded this opportunity. American School Counsellors are trained in child and adolescent psychology and are typically not teachers. I, myself, was an educator for nearly a decade, as a classroom teacher of French and Spanish to students aged 12-18. I then pursued my Masters Degree (Level 9 Qualification) in Counselling and achieved a high score on the licensing exam of the National Board for Certified Counsellors.
Although I did take a course in career counselling, that was only a portion of my rigorous training. School Counsellors help students with life transitions, depression, anxiety, stress, and crises. As well as selecting classes and dealing with difficult exams and getting good grades. In the past 20 years, achieving N.C.C. status (National Certified Counsellor) via the licensing exam signifies top level training. Today’s changing society has likely spawned the need for more in-depth counsellor training, particularly when working with teens.
How to find an effective form of therapy for teens?
I have a few specialties in my counselling practice and one of them is counselling teens. Working with minors does entail some family therapy at times. While others may shy away from working with teens, I can relate well to this period of sturm und drang. I have worked with teens in schools for over 20 years, and more recently with teens in crisis at SOSAD. I feel well able to assist adolescents through this intense period of growth and change.
As a conduit for change, I emphasize the need to “try something different” when previous strategies are no longer working.
As you know, doing something over and over again and expecting a different result, is the very definition of insanity. I endeavor to be fully present with my younger clients and to help them effect positive change in their lives. I help them claim power over their own lives and see that as they get older, more responsibilities come along. You can easily book an appointment by clicking here.
