School-based Counsellor

My background:  

I am a registered and qualified counsellor. My foundation is built on trauma-informed care and my passion is youth counselling. I work from a trauma informed point of view where the three trauma stages from Herman (1992) are a key concept: stage one, safety and stabilization (overcoming dysregulation); stage two, coming to terms with traumatic memories; and stage three, integration and moving on. Furthermore, I conceptualise by using the bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework.

I have a holistic approach to the diverse concerns associated with my students, a broad range of activities and approaches which focus on the individual, community, and environmental influences. I am aware of the student’s reactions to trauma, which not only include biological reactions but physical, emotional, social and spiritual reactions.

I offer one on one sessions where students can feel safe to talk freely and openly, without fear of judgment, about the things that are concerning them. I can help students navigate a path through the difficulties that can show up in life and school. I offer counselling services to help  students succeed in their academic goals, as well as support social and emotional growth throughout the school year. Also, helping students learn ways to build positive social skills, gain confidence in their ability to interact with others and learn ways to deal with problems and conflict constructively. Also, I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy when working on unwanted/destructive behaviours. Counselling sessions in a school setting are typically short-term in nature. Also, it focuses on solutions to help students succeed in all areas of their development.

I am convinced that change can only occur when one truly wants to change. At the end of the day it is God’s amazing power that brings change. In counselling it is not about ‘fixing’ the condition or situation but to treat the person as a whole. It is important to note that the counselling approaches are manmade. My aim is to promote personal growth and transformation of human behaviour, but more than that I want to help them heal, truly heal.