Starting as a counsellor

Girls living in juvenile rehabilitation centres, especially as a consequence of escaping from home or sexual contact, can be difficult to engage in counselling sessions. Often, this can be related to the idea that help seeking from a psychologist or counsellor is equivalent to being labelled as ‘crazy’. Added to that is the belief that family secrets must stay at home, so girls feel uncomfortable speaking about their problems. As a result, counsellors’ attempts may lead to failure. This personal reflection shows the author’s first experiences working with clients. It suggests using simple contextual methods (such as handicrafts or storytelling) to begin a therapeutic relationship, using group counselling versus individual counselling and engaging family members to solve honour issues.