If you're a youth counselor, you provide direct care to troubled children and teenagers. Your job can be extremely challenging, yet also rewarding. However, sometimes you may be at a loss as to where to seek help for your clients. You may also wonder how to handle specific situations. It's normal to feel frustrated, helpless, sad or a whole range of emotions during these times. Luckily, there are several useful tips to keep in mind, as well as a variety of Internet resources that can provide information or referral services.
Identification of Self-Harming Behaviors
Troubled youths come from a variety of backgrounds. Substance abuse, domestic violence and mental health issues are only some of the issues that troubled youths face on a daily basis. Sometimes, they may not know where to turn. They may feel that harming themselves or others is the only option. As a counselor, it's crucial that you learn to identify the behaviors and signs that a child or teenager is thinking of self-injury or possibly suicide. According to Family First Aid, some of the signs that a child or adolescent is thinking of harming themselves include talking, joking, drawing or writing about death or harming themselves, giving away their possessions, or making statements like, "The world would be a better place without me." If you suspect that your client is suicidal, inform your supervisor immediately and call 911. Do not leave your client alone. You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK. (See Resources.)
Know the Issues
Knowing the issues that today's troubled youth face is one of the first steps in offering help and assistance. Some of the most common issues affecting children and teenagers today are probably some of the most common issues you came across when you were growing up. However, there are most likely some additional, more serious issues, such as school violence, sexual activity at an earlier age, firesetting, anti-social problems, drug abuse and more. You can find many helpful articles on dealing with these and other common issues on Focus Adolescent Services website (see Resources).
Setting Boundaries
It can be tempting to want to save the lives of all of your clients. They may have no adult role models in their lives. You might feel like you want to take them home with you and protect them. However, this is not your role as their counselor. You have to set appropriate boundaries in order to prevent burn-out, according to Amherst College. At times, this is easier said than done.You can find a useful article on setting and developing professional boundaries through the College of Psychologists of Ontario (see Resources).
Continuing Education
Taking continuing education courses in your field is one of the best ways to develop your professional knowledge, learn about new or recommended resources and network with fellow counselors, who may be able to provide you with insight or referrals to resources they frequently use. You can find information about continuing education courses for counselors through the National Board of Certified Counselors' website (see Resources).
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