GREEN BAY – Providers participating in school-based counseling throughout the Green Bay School District this summer are encouraging parents to participate in their child’s counseling this school year.
It’s frustrating that Joanne Klysen, director of community-based counseling at Foundations Health & Wholeness, says it stands out above most of the problems she observes in her younger clients.
Parents can get involved in several ways, Kleisen said. You can ask your child if they would like to share what they said during the session. Parties may agree or potentially consider counseling separate from their child’s counseling.
That last point tends to get the biggest reaction and isn’t always taken very well.
“It’s not necessarily just a child problem. It’s a system problem,” Kleisen said. “We’ve seen memes all over online about parents resisting the idea that they might need counseling when bringing their children to us.”
Klysen was one of many mental health providers who attended the first summer of school-based mental health counseling for students at Green Bay Area Public Schools.
Seven public schools in the Green Bay area have opened their doors for therapy sessions, with on-site health care providers available to students.
Harvard University’s Center for Developing Children reports that there are many misconceptions when it comes to the mental health needs of young people. Despite societal messages, harsh individualism does not help young people face adversity . The relationships between caregivers and mentors and children make a difference.
Reports also work at the local level. The Fox Valley Boys & Girls Club offers a model focused on parental involvement in the lives of their children. For example, of her 133 youth sessions from September 2021 through her November, 85 included parent participation.
In its 2021 report, reports by both clients and parents show that 95% of young clients who have taken the program experienced symptom relief.
Carlin Andrews, Senior Director of Counseling and Training at Fox Valley’s Boys and Girls Club, says the heart of mental health work is the “real connection” made between children and adults.
“One of the biggest safeguards in a young person’s life is the presence of at least one caring adult,” said Andrew. “It’s the presence of that connection that makes young people feel safe and comfortable enough to share what’s going on with them.”
Meanwhile, at Green Bay, Klaisen counseled eight students in grades 3 through 8 on a weekly or biweekly basis, transitioning seamlessly from the end of the school year to summer sessions.
In the process, she observed several things beyond the walls of her counseling sessions.
Parent involvement when children and young adults seek counseling helps show children that they are valuable and worthy of their time, Klysen said.
When a parent communicates with a counselor, it can also help determine if a child is experiencing a mental health condition or if the problem is environmental.
Even if a child achieves all of their mental health goals, that progress can be undermined if a parent is under constant stress or has an undiagnosed mental health condition.
“Kids are smart. They know their parents have problems,” Kleisen said.
In other words, parents may also benefit from counseling.
Tips for Parents to Get More Involved in Counseling
Airplane oxygen mask rules apply to good emotional well-being practices between caregivers and children. Prioritizing one’s own mental health is the best first step parents can take to be present for their children, Kleisen said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has outlined several ways parents can make their day easier. This includes taking breaks to relax and unwind through yoga, music, meditation, and new hobbies. connection with family and friends. eat healthier and sleep more; exercise, whether it looks like walking, running, biking, or lifting weights.
Additionally, Christina Gingle, deputy director of student services at Green Bay Public Schools, said it can be “difficult” for parents to access counseling for their children. She often tells parents who are concerned about their child’s mental health to get in touch with school employees.
“Student services representatives are a great place to start because they can help you navigate things like that,” Jingle said.
Part of that “stuff” includes providing a list of resources accepting medical assistance.
She also recommended that parents consult the Brown County Mental Health Navigation Guide. This guide tells you where to get preventive mental health care. The navigation guide also provides steps for intervention when mental health conditions deteriorate.
In addition, Kleisen says, on the day the child has a counseling session, parents can ask if there is anything they would like to share that was discussed during the interview.
Foundations also offers parent-only sessions. This allows counselors to better understand the behavior parents are seeing in their children when they are not in session. .
“Their trust is important to the therapeutic relationship,” Kleisen said. “If kids think they’re going to yell at their parents about what we’re talking about, they won’t talk to us.”
Learn more about how to get involved from the resources below.
- My Connection NEW connects parents to nearby agencies, facilities and programs in Brown, Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago counties.
- Brown County 211 is your one-stop shop for information, community resources and referrals on a variety of health and wellness issues. Call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211.
- The Family Services Crisis Center is Green Bay’s 24/7 crisis intervention service. Brown County residents can always call (920) 436-8888 for help.
Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for USA TODAY NETWORK-CENTRAL WISCONSIN. She welcomes story tips and feedback. You can contact her at ne[email protected] or view her Twitter profile at her URL below. @natalie_eilbertIf you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text the National Crisis Text Line at 741-741 “Hope Line”. please give me.