As counselors most of the time we have to think outside the box. This past week I was working with a student who was having issues with frustration and impulse control. I keep a pair of tennis shoes underneath my desk, so I put them on and we went out to the track to walk and where he could talk loudly and shout without disturbing anyone. As we were walking, the phrases he was using and the things that he told me he had done in elementary school sounded just like my Justin. Fortunately, Justin had a wonderful counselor, Emily Taravella, who had him in small group, who absolutely changed his life by teaching him coping skills that helped him to manage his frustration. I called mom when we got back to my office and the idea popped into my head that Justin should mentor this young man. You see, Justin is a high school freshman, he survived middle school and is thriving. So I asked mom if it would be OK for Justin to come over and mentor her son once a month. So with her permission and my principals, Justin came over to meet with the student. Justin was more than willing to work with him. I put them in my office with the door cracked and listened outside to make sure everything was going well. There were several times I was brought to tears listening to my wonderful child explain how he coped with his frustration and what to do when people make fun of you. The student responded so well to Justin and opened up about his frustrations like he hadn't with me. After we walked him back to class, we debriefed in my office and I asked Justin if he would be willing to come back once a month and check in with him. He replied, "I'd actually like to come back sooner." I cannot express how very proud I am of my sweet Justin. He is his mothers child. #confidentcounselors #boymom #futurecounselor #middleschoolcounselor #scw2019 https://www.instagram.com/p/BthnohgHIXsYbPAr7KzrBcF3aqABlLVeFLXeXw0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=gx9cno5xm55m
