Ways Of Counselling Students In Foster Care

By Author: Horizon Fostering Services
Total Articles: 7
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Counselling is an integral part of recovery for children in foster care. Learn counselling techniques that you can use to help a student in foster care.

Child therapy is a common requirement for any foster carer with a school-going foster child. But is never easy for foster carers to handle it. But with the information that we have here, you will find it easy to start counselling a student under your care.

Counselling techniques for students in foster care

Find the right time
Counselling is all about making the child feel safe and secure. You have to establish the right time and assure the student that they are not in trouble. If they feel threatened in any way, they will never open up.
As a foster carer, you will always know the right time for counselling to take place--and it won't be the same for everyone. For example, the right time in your context could be after school when your foster child has had a good day. Avoid scheduling counselling when the child is overwhelmed; reputable Foster Care Agencies will help you schedule sessions at times that work best for both of you.

Take ...
... the child’s concerns seriously
When a child in foster care tells you about their concerns, show them that you are serious about their issues. Children tend to feel safe when adults take their concerns seriously, regardless of how trivial they might seem.

Try to be open
When you talk to a foster child, be open. This will allow the child to be free to talk to you. Create a relaxing environment for your counselling session with the child.

Set up a long-term goal together
One way to help students in foster care is to work together with them to set a long-term goal. You can offer direction on what the goal should be, but it should come from the student directly. This will help them own their goals and work towards achieving them.

Explain that you are there to offer support
Throughout the counselling session, you must assure the student that you are there to offer support. This reassurance will keep both of you in a positive frame of mind and help foster children maintain their positivity.

Must you be a counsellor to foster children?

To become a foster carer, you don't need to be qualified for counselling. Foster Carer Requirements are simple – you need to be willing to work with children and protect them. You will receive regular training and support necessary to help you with any kind of counselling needs that may arise
Always remember that counselling is a broad matter that needs support. So, reach out to us if you have any questions about counselling students in foster care.

Horizon Fostering is one of the leading independent Ofsted-approved and registered fostering agencies in the UK. We are specialising in placing foster carers with children who need their support. Our services include assessment of suitability and capacity, initial training, ongoing support, information on local activities and events, and monthly visits from our community office team members. Visit our website for more details on our services at https://horizonfostering.co.uk/