What is the role of the therapist with a young person?
I have had the pleasure of working with young people in Sheffield for the last twenty-two years. I have also had the opportunity to meet with parents and discuss their concerns.
A concern that is frequently raised is ‘what is your role with my child’?
A confidant that they can share their problems with?
A ‘cool for school’ youth worker that will side with them on everything?
It’s a very valid question. As a parent myself I am well aware of the impact external influences have on my children. I am aware of the tension between encouraging independence and freethinking whilst wanting to protect them at times.
As a therapist I am aware of the need for the parent and young person to be able to trust me and know what I am about. To know and recognise clear boundaries between friend/counsellor.
In my therapy sessions I communicate with the young person from a position of ‘Im ok your ok’. We are both equal in value. I am not superior or inferior to them. However in my role as therapist is to the focus of the content is on what they consider to be of importance to them in that hour that they have with me.
I use this space to explore thoughts, that are causing the young person anxiety or a low sense of mood and self worth, what feelings are driving those thoughts and how this internal conflict is communicated to those around them through their behaviour.
It’s a space where relationship is the key. Where genuine authentic interactions take place between client and therapist. The young person needs to feel free to challenge me as I will them in the safety of this space and to use that challenge to enhance the work and bring greater understanding of self to the young person.
I like young people. I like hearing what they have to say. I like laughing with them, and using humour where appropriate in session.
Most of all I enjoy giving them the opportunity to explore their own potential and looking at repeated patterns of behaviour that is causing them anxiety.
I don’t always agree with them or them with me. But therapy isn’t about either of us becoming robots or nodding dogs. It’s a space where in time the young person can explore who they are and what that looks like internally and externally with me without fear of prejudice or criticism.
As a parent dropping of a child for therapy I can imagine it feels nerve-wracking and that’s why in the first session If possible I like to meet the parent/care giver so they have the opportunity to meet me.
To give the parent and young person an opportunity to meet and find out what they are looking for and if I can provide the service that they are seeking.
So in answer to the above question..whats my role?
Cool for school?
Not really.
My role is one of sitting.
To sit down, say hello and ask the question that maybe the young person hasn’t asked themselves for a long time
Which is
Are you ok?
If you would like to know more please make contact to discuss how I can help.
Best wishes,
