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Nadia
Student
Kerrville, Texas
6
Questions
Asked
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Do some parents refuse to believe that some methods won't work? And if so, do you have to make a compromise with them?
#childrensmentalhealthcounselor
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1 answer
Craig Koeckeritz
Leadership Consultant
5
Answers
Mendota Heights, MN
Updated
Craig’s Answer
I am not a children's mental health counselor, but I spend my time helping people be more effective, both at work, and at home.
The truth is that people have their own beliefs and values that they have developed across all of their lives. We all have habits. Parents will always have beliefs about how to raise/help their own children, and tend to default to a filter - how was I raised, what was my experience like, what has worked for me in the past, et cetera. Human beings will shift their thinking and attitudes if they have an insight (or an "aha" moment). When you work as a counselor, I'm sure that you will meet people who are skeptical of new methods, or are afraid of change.
One of the tools that I have found useful in moments like that is the use of curiosity, and asking a good question. Work on developing insight-based questions, ones that make people pause and reflect. It is also very useful in helping to find common ground. If you can get parents to consider possibilities by asking good questions, you should be able to avoid some of the confrontation when you sense your recommendations aren't welcome.
I hope this helps!
The truth is that people have their own beliefs and values that they have developed across all of their lives. We all have habits. Parents will always have beliefs about how to raise/help their own children, and tend to default to a filter - how was I raised, what was my experience like, what has worked for me in the past, et cetera. Human beings will shift their thinking and attitudes if they have an insight (or an "aha" moment). When you work as a counselor, I'm sure that you will meet people who are skeptical of new methods, or are afraid of change.
One of the tools that I have found useful in moments like that is the use of curiosity, and asking a good question. Work on developing insight-based questions, ones that make people pause and reflect. It is also very useful in helping to find common ground. If you can get parents to consider possibilities by asking good questions, you should be able to avoid some of the confrontation when you sense your recommendations aren't welcome.
I hope this helps!