Struggling School Counselor (Full Version)

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villarob -> Struggling School Counselor (5/9/2008 9:14:33 AM)

I work in a public school just outside NYC in a very affluent are. I am a school counselor and i would like to hear some opinions about a few things from some other Christians.

How would you handle it if a student came in and wants to get an abortion?
What if she is extremely depressed, and has thoughts of suicide?
What if she has been cutting herself in order to dull the pain of life?

the point is, sometimes i feel helpless to these kids because what they really need is not some kind of therapy from some theoretical standpoint, but they need Jesus.

SO what does a fellow Christian do when the word GOD will practically get me fired.

Oh and PS. of course everything i do and say with these kids is rooted in my faith but still i dont know if they know it.


Any thought??????



Szaftoo -> RE: Struggling School Counselor (5/9/2008 9:29:51 AM)

I am not sure what you would do because of all the "rules" governing public schools. However, I will pray that God use you and bless you in dealing with these hurting students.



rgod -> RE: Struggling School Counselor (5/9/2008 10:43:48 AM)

Can you talk about Jesus if they ask you first? Like can you leave a bible out on your desk or a little pamphlet about how to deal with suicide etc. but from a godly standpoint? There is a really good series - I think from RBC ministries, that deals with the situations that you described (I've not seen one for cutting however). You might not be able to offer it to the student, but is it against the rules if they pick it up on their own accord? Or if they ask you a question? You having a cross or something there that is obviously Christian might give some kids courage to initiate a conversation about the Lord as well.

I know a counselor who leaves flyers to youth ministries etc. in her office. If students ask for one, they get it from her, but she doesn't offer it. This is ok in her school system, will it work in yours?

Also, when I've not been able to witness openly, often what I'll do is I'll give people biblical truth, but don't necessarily say "Jesus" "God" or give a bible verse. For example, if someone is planning to commit suicide, you might not be able to say - God has a good plan for your life Jeremiah 29:11, but you can say, there is a purpose for every person in this world. You are going through a rough patch right now and it seems like it will never end. But it will. There is a purpose for you.

Above all though pray. Do you have other counselors or teachers on staff who are Christians? Can you get together and pray for the students? Do you spend time praying over the students yourself (I have a feeling that you do)?

Above all though, I agree that you need to ask God for guidance. And if he tells you to say something, and you know it is Him, then you've got to say it. If He leads you to do it, He will protect you - or even if there are repercussions, He will help you as you go through it and it will be a witness to Him.



sylvan -> RE: Struggling School Counselor (5/9/2008 11:37:43 AM)

In my opinion, the best way to share Jesus is through action. Showing love, care, concern and compassion. It's much more effective than a sermon or a lecture on sin. Yes, these children are likely in this situation because of the lack of love (or Jesus) in their life. You can give them that without jepordizing your job - an extremely important job. There really aren't a lot of Christian psychiatrists and you don't find many Christian counselors outside of the Church. Most mental health professionals only want to medicate people, which only serves to mask the true underlying problem. So, it's good that there are Christians in your position and you probably have more opportunites to witness than you think.

I guess I'm trying to say, don't feel bad because you don't speak openly - you can demonstrate so much more and people also receive much more. Mere words are empty. So, if you're being compassionate and caring (something they likely don't experience at home or elsewhere), they know that - and that's the essence of being Christian. I don't think it's important that they know YOU are a Christian - I think it's important that they know Christ.



villarob -> RE: Struggling School Counselor (5/9/2008 11:50:00 AM)

RGOD- It is a very good idea what you say about displaying a bible or christian flyers, however that would not fly at all in a public school, at least not in NY, i dont know where or what kind of school your friend works in. I wish i could. But yeah i wear a ring with a cross on it, and sometimes i try to suggest praying in an indirect way. It so hard. I just hope that my christain values will come through in my counseling. And i apologise for this terrible email, im rushing through this cause a student just walked in my office.

sorry



crm4souls -> RE: Struggling School Counselor (5/11/2008 3:40:55 AM)

Do you love what you do?
Has God called you to be there?
What are your limits in pushing the kids to God?
Is a job in the same field with more opportunity to minister to kids available?
Are you making an impact in the kids lives?
Only you can answer these questions, and decide whether you are supposed to stay in this position or move on. Sometimes we have a divine dissatisfaction when God is trying to move us. Is it time to move, move with God that is?



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