Navigating School Psychology and Mental Health | Michelle Basson

Navigating School Psychology and Mental Health | Michelle Basson

All views expressed in this episode are personal to Michelle Basson. Michelle Basson is a dedicated school psychologist actively working in both public education systems and the academic sphere associated with university settings. Her role involves providing comprehensive support and counseling to students across multiple school environments, including both primary and high schools. Michelle's work extends to assessment and securing individual student support, making a significant impact on bridging student needs with available resources. Key Takeaways * Rising Mental Health Concerns: There is a notable increase in bullying and depressive symptoms amongst younger students, highlighting the urgent need for early intervention and mental health support in schools. * Role of School Psychologists: School psychologists are instrumental in assessing students and securing additional support, effectively bridging the gap between student needs and school resources. * Navigating Consent and Confidentiality: The process of obtaining consent and confidentiality in school counseling can vary significantly depending on the student's age and situation, necessitating sensitive navigation by school psychologists. * Importance of School Systems: For parents, understanding the support systems available in schools and how to access them can be crucial in ensuring their child receives the necessary help. * Demystifying Counseling: Open communication and breaking down the perceived complexities surrounding school counseling can foster a supportive environment for students, reducing the stigma around seeking help. Notable Quotes: 1. "There's a real rise in kind of depressive symptoms in young people and anxiety... a really scary trend in schools." 2. "The more information we have, the more knowledge we have, the more the whole process becomes demystified." 3. "In the high school, definitely a lot of the referrals are counseling referrals... very open about what it might entail, the first session will just be getting to know you." 4. "If the student refuses to be seen by us... we have a person called the Student Support Officer." 5. "My hope is just that we continue to talk about mental health... students just know where they can find support." Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate [https://hope1032.com.au/donate] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Relieved Your Teen Is Leaving? That's Normal

Key Takeaways: * The process of raising children aims to prepare them to thrive independently rather than keeping them at home. * Transitioning to an "open nest" allows for relationships to evolve, fostering a friendship between parents and young adults. * Parents have the opportunity to deeply appreciate who their children are becoming, while children gain newfound appreciation for their parents. * Family interactions become more intentional and meaningful once children have left home, as time together is a choice rather than an expectation. * The journey of parenthood doesn't end when children leave the house; it simply evolves into a new role of guidance and support. Notable Quotes: * "Our role wasn't to raise our children who stay, our role was to raise adults who can thrive on their own." * "I think an open nest is a home where parents can shift their relationship to a friendship." * "Leaving home doesn't end your role, it changes it. You're less of a director, you're more of a guide." * "Remember, raising teens isn't about keeping them close forever. It's about helping them grow strong enough to fly."   Click here [info@raisingteenagers.com.au] to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here [https://hope1032.com.au/show/raising-teens/] to contact the Raising Teens team. ---------------------------------------- Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens [http://raisingteens.au/] for more resources, click here [https://collettsmart.com/resources/] for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/collettsmart/]. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au [http://www.hopepodcasts.com.au/]. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app [https://hope1032.com.au/listen/#apps], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Hope103.2] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sydneyshope1032/]. Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate [https://hope1032.com.au/donate] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Letting Teens Go: The Shift No One Prepares You For

Key Takeaways: * Transition from Authority to Ally: Empowering parents to shift their roles from strict rule enforcers to supportive allies, improving the parent-teen relationship. * Control and Instructions: Highlighting the risks of micromanaging older teens, emphasising that too much control can create distance instead of fostering growth and maturity. * Effective Connection: Suggesting practical ways to nurture connection with teens through natural interactions, like shared activities and thoughtful conversations. * Boundaries as Bridges: Encouraging open discussions about household chores, privacy, and personal space to enhance mutual respect and prevent resentment. * Acceptance of Different Choices: Emphasising the importance of staying supportive and connected even if children make choices that differ from parental hopes, ensuring they feel safe. Notable Quotes: * "Instead of being a rule setter, you might now be more of a sounding board instead of being the manager Think of yourself as becoming an ally." * "Mistakes are what help us and them to learn and to grow. And protection can just feel like pressure for them." * "Boundaries aren't walls, they're bridges." * "Connection doesn't mean we always have to agree. Support also doesn't always mean silence." * "The good news is that this stage can bring some of the most meaningful, honest and rewarding relationships that you'll ever have with your kids."   Click here [info@raisingteenagers.com.au] to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here [https://hope1032.com.au/show/raising-teens/] to contact the Raising Teens team. ---------------------------------------- Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens [http://raisingteens.au/] for more resources, click here [https://collettsmart.com/resources/] for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/collettsmart/]. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au [http://www.hopepodcasts.com.au/]. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app [https://hope1032.com.au/listen/#apps], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Hope103.2] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sydneyshope1032/]. Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate [https://hope1032.com.au/donate] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Empty Nest: When Your Teen Leaves Home - Janet Evans

Win a copy of Janet Evans' book Empty Next by clicking here!!! [https://hope1032.com.au/parenting/win-1-of-2-copies-of-empty-next-by-janet-evans-and-dr-amelia-haines/]  Janet Evans is an accomplished author and podcast host recognised for her insightful work on the themes of parenting and personal growth. She co-authored the book "Empty Next" with Dr. Amelia Haynes, targeting the often unspoken phenomenon of empty nest syndrome. Alongside her literary contributions, Janet is known for co-hosting the podcast "She Wasn't Born Yesterday," which celebrates the experiences and transitions faced by women over 40. Janet’s expertise in traversing this delicate phase of parenting combines personal experience with practical strategies tailored to support parents through this emotional transition. Key Takeaways: * Emotional Spectrum: Parents often experience a mix of pride and grief when their children leave home, highlighting the natural, varied responses to empty nesting. * Improved Relationships: Interviews with young adults reveal that many develop stronger relationships with their parents after moving out, underlining the potential for positive change. * Reevaluating Misconceptions: The episode challenges common misconceptions, such as the assumption that mothers are more affected than fathers by their children's departure. * Global Phenomenon: Empty nest syndrome is not exclusive to Western cultures; parents worldwide experience similar emotional transitions despite differing family structures. * Proactive Transitioning: Parents are encouraged to plan ahead by prioritising personal interests and marital relationships to ease the transition into this new stage of life. Notable Quotes: * "You bring them up for like 20 odd years. It's a long time to be in the same job." * "A lot of [young adults] got on a lot better with their parents once they'd moved out." * "You should never feel guilty about missing your children after they've left home." * "With all of the people that we spoke to, the dads were just as affected. Oh, my goodness. And some of them even more so." * "Every single situation is different, and every personality is different… overwhelmingly, most parents want the very best for their kids." Resources: * Janet Evans's book "Empty Next" explores empty nest syndrome and its impact. * Podcast "She Wasn't Born Yesterday" hosted by Janet Evans, focused on women over 40. * Hope 103.2 Radio, mentioned as an initial platform for the podcast concept.   Click here [info@raisingteenagers.com.au] to contact Collett or ask her a question or Click here [https://hope1032.com.au/show/raising-teens/] to contact the Raising Teens team. ---------------------------------------- Collett is a psychologist, qualified teacher, speaker, and internationally published author, with 25 years' experience working in private and public schools, as well as in private practice. Visit Raising Teens [http://raisingteens.au/] for more resources, click here [https://collettsmart.com/resources/] for Collett's books, or join the discussion on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/collettsmart/]. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au [http://www.hopepodcasts.com.au/]. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app [https://hope1032.com.au/listen/#apps], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Hope103.2] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sydneyshope1032/]. Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate [https://hope1032.com.au/donate] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Is Your Teen in Crisis? 4 Signs to Know & How to Respond

Key Takeaways: * Recognise Behavioral Changes: Learn to identify key signs of a teen in crisis, such as withdrawal, risk-taking, diminished school performance, and expressions of hopelessness. * Maintain Calm and Support: Discover the importance of staying calm and curious, not reactive, to offer a safe environment where teens feel supported. * Focus on Connection: Prioritise emotional safety and connection over immediate problem-solving to build trust and open communication lines with adolescents. * Support Over Correct: Understand the need to connect with your teen before introducing any corrective actions or consequences post-crisis. * Professional Help: Reinforce that seeking professional support is essential and conveying that doing nothing is not an option for their well-being. Notable Quotes: * "Crisis behavior is often communication, not defiance or attention-seeking." * "A calm parent becomes the emotional anchor in a teen's storm." * "Connect before we correct." * "Doing nothing is not an option. My job is to love you and support you." * "I'm here to listen if you need me. I'm here for you if you want to brainstorm any ideas together."   Support the show: https://hope1032.com.au/donate [https://hope1032.com.au/donate] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.