Specialties
In my early years of counseling, I didn’t regard myself as “good with kids,”—and I know counseling them is a distinct therapeutic art in itself (hence all the courses and books on child development, etc.). But over the years, with advice and guidance from others who were “good with kids” and myself being a good storyteller, it turns out I was definitely under-rating myself.
Generally, I’ll accept young people 12 and over. Sometimes, just a few sessions may be needed, maybe only one. Having children of my own certainly taught me a lot, and I always seemed to like kids, especially when one-to-one with them.
High school kids seem to work well with me, and in my early college years, I was preparing to be a High School teacher. (Later, Robin Williams was an inspiration for me.)
Also, the ‘Grandfather’ age in me can allow a specific ‘wisdom element’ that gives me
generational credibility with adolescents. I ‘know stuff’ from a softer distance. Plus, I enjoy it.
[Curiously, I hadn’t noticed till later in my own life how much and often young people had long been drawn to come and talk with my parents.]