School psychology is a term that is mentioned often but rarely understood in its fullest context. School psychologists’ functions are important in the lives of school children, yet; this task is often only understood in part.
The following information will hopefully explain what school psychology is and how it can benefit and be useful in children and adolescents’ lives.
Functions of a School Psychologists
School psychology is a complex field. School psychologists’ functions within a school setting and works to improve students’ lives by dealing with the complex and simple psychological issues that can arise in their lives. They work by speaking with students who may have a concern and those looking for an outlet in the discussion.
The school psychologist can come from several different schools of thought regarding psychological methods and theories. For this reason, they can each take a unique and different approach to assess the concerns of children and adolescents.
However, most practices include both a psychological aspect of understanding as well as a behavioral. This is important because a child needs to be assessed at both levels of understanding. They need to hear the child’s words in discussing a problem and understand how this impacts the behavior of that child as well.
What is the Relationship Between Psychology and Behavior?
The relationship between psychology and behavior can be an important determinant in assessing the concern and developing a treatment plan that covers all areas of understanding and of developing a solution to the problem. This is also an important aspect of school psychology.
The school psychologist will recommend a plan for treating a child and navigating them through an issue that can be plaguing them.
This is important because it means that a school psychologist is not only prospective but proactive as well. They can work with teachers and other team members that can work to improve the lives of students dealing with different issues.
How Can a School Psychologist Help a Child?
A school psychologist’s main function is to help the child and their presents regarding mental health issues. There are several ways in which a school psychologist can help your child. These include talking to your child about what is occurring in their life and any concerns they may have or feeling.
School psychologists can help in a wide array of fields. They can speak to your child about feelings of alienation or feelings of abandonment. They can help with handling bullying and other social concerns.
A school psychologist can also help your child with other concerns as well. These concerns include things like attention deficit disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and others.
We should note down that these efforts are often a team accomplishment. That is, parents and teachers can participate in the plan. As well, by privacy issues and other concerns, as a way to aid and help children in a multi-pronged approach.
In this way, you can rest assured that your child is getting exactly what they need from their schooling and that they have everything they need to make for a successful transition and aid in helping your child.
Most useful Creative Counseling which uses School Psychologists
We know the main function of the school psychologist is counseling. Public school, it’s a tough crowd – perhaps the toughest you’ll have in your life.
While reaching kids isn’t always an easy task, it can be one of the most entertaining and rewarding challenges you’ll ever have as a school psychologist.
From the Macaroni Mike to special clubs for connecting with new friends and support, read on to find out how you can bring the creative edge to your counseling style and see real results with your students.
Support Groups with a Twist
Support groups are a great thing to incorporate into your school. Not only do they help children with similar problems or backgrounds get support from children their own age, but they also help to encourage diversity. Support groups can sound off-putting.
Try putting a creative spin on them by making them into clubs. Host special events at school, try some extracurricular weekends that pair fun group building exercises with snacks and crafts.
With the emergence of bullies, school psychologists could even create a student alliance for combating bullying in the school.
Therapy Through Art
When you act as a school psychologist, you will notice some kids don’t open up very easily. Art can make a great icebreaker. While in training, you will learn how art can be interpreted and used as a growing tool for kids in distress.
For instance, while it’s not always accurate, a tree drawn with a hole in it can signify trauma. The further up the hole is drawn on the trunk, the more recent the trauma.
Even though art can help diagnose problems, it can also help kids to heal from them.
The Buddy Program
The buddy program is a way that other kids to get involved and help each other. While kids shouldn’t give one another advice, children of mature age can be trusted to be good listeners.
This, of course, requires a keen eye for maturity and character when choosing kids in leadership.
Sometimes kids prefer to talk to other kids in place of adults, and this special program can ensure that, at the very least, kids are talking about their problems to someone.
Get Silly for Success
Sometimes all it takes to open the waves of communication is a little silliness. Try the Macaroni Mike, a little microphone crafted from a paper towel tube and dry, colored macaroni.
Whoever is holding the Macaroni Mike gets everyone’s full attention. This works great for group exercises but can also be using one on one. A dress-up trunk is another great addition to a successful office.
If you work for middle or high schools, consider a wall of fame where students can draw or write whatever they like. Giving your students something to look forward to and a reason to open up always pays off.
When it comes to really make a difference, it isn’t as hard as it seems. Some kids will change before your eyes; others will carry your words with them – it can become a part of their critical voice.
Both are very important. Remember that reaching each child as an individual is important. What works with one kid might not work for another. When you’re having trouble reaching your students, just be yourself and be creative; when you do, you’ll see creative results.
These are the functions of school psychologists. Nevertheless, there are various activities of a school psychologist that always follow to maintain professionalism.
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