From April 15-20 I was in Shropshire for some Youth Counselling training at the OM UK base. It was a pretty intense week, with topics like abuse, self-harm, eating disorders, sex & identity, and gender confusion. There are many things that young people struggle with, and many things to keep in mind when counselling them that are different from counselling adults. Above all, I learned that the best advice to give to any young person with any type of struggle is, "STOP IT!!!" Watch the video below to get what I mean...
Actually, I hope you know I was kidding!! Below is a picture of a "mock" counselling session, where we practiced listening to each other tell stories of our lives when we were teenagers. How do we really listen, not just to what people are saying, but what their heart is saying, and what is going on beneath the surface? How do you share personal things in a way that is helpful and authentic, without using it to interpret or force something from the young person?
Youth Counselling is actually quite challenging...but also rewarding. Please continue to pray for me and the other participants to have opportunities to counsel, and for love, wisdom and authenticity as we practice. Pray for young people that you know, and young people here in the UK, as they face different struggles. Pray for them to experience a loving God who is relevant for their lives.
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