I've worked with young people for over 25 years as a Mentor, Teacher, School Chaplain, Counsellor and most importantly, I was a young person for a period of time. Most parents ring up feeling somewhat of a failure that they couldn't parent right or inadequate as the young person may now be 'ruling the roost'! My approach with working with young people is the same as working with adults:
Important - Please Read
It's only fair if a young person is coming to me for help that the parents/guardians must also make some changes.
I would ask parents to attend for 1 or 2 sessions themselves (with the permission of the young person) but at no time would I break my confidential contract with the young person.
What that means is that what I and the young person talk about remains confidential and unless they are intending to harm themselves or another, then what is shared in the room, stays in the room.
- To work with them without 'wagging the finger' (Non-Judgmental)
- To really listen - "No one ever listens to my side"
- To help them find the resources/skills that they may already have within them to sort out what might be bothering them.
Important - Please Read
It's only fair if a young person is coming to me for help that the parents/guardians must also make some changes.
I would ask parents to attend for 1 or 2 sessions themselves (with the permission of the young person) but at no time would I break my confidential contract with the young person.
What that means is that what I and the young person talk about remains confidential and unless they are intending to harm themselves or another, then what is shared in the room, stays in the room.
