Jenn Nakhai interviews Lynn’s teacher about Psychotherapy in education

AEON counseling and consulting have always looked towards mitigating societal vices’ effects, especially as they affect minority groups in the community. Some of these vices include racism, homophobia, transphobia, police brutality, and other forms of injustice and trauma.

In this light, AEON listens to industry experts who are making an impact in the community. The guest this time was Jessica, an activist and an educator who has had extensive experience teaching in Massachusetts, and California, where she has managed to become the academic director after five (5) years teaching.

According to Jessica, an avid mathematician, she fell in love with tutoring a while ago. She decided to change spaces with her husband. Both moved to California to achieve the much sought after change, and there again, she managed to find herself in her natural element, the classroom.

Jessica recalled her teenage years, pointing out a tomultous time when she had begun taking risks; thankfully, the community and guidance counselors had her back. Among the notable mentions, the YMCA was of tremendous help to her.

Growing Concerns in the Community

A dangerous trend that brings new challenges has to do with individuals in positions of authority referring to outspoken people, especially of the younger generation, as terrorists, simply because they intend to express themselves and show their unconformity with the current state of social inequality.

Regarding the individual challenges of those affected directly by social injustice, avoiding comparisons with other people is essential.

Jessica went further to suggest that regardless of skin color, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc., there must be merit in ensuring equality. As such, individuals who meet the requirements regardless of orientation, ethnicity, or identity, should be let in the door, and vice versa.

Psychotherapy in education

For her, teaching in a private school does not reflect a dislike for the public school system, but is a better integration of her skills and beliefs with the vision of the private school she now teaches in.

Education happens to be one of the sectors where you have to change methods almost every four (4) years based on new orders from above, and whether you like it or not, you have to go through with it. And sometimes, it brings forth some tremendous results. However, these changes can impact the educational system adversely. For instance, the teachers have to seamlessly make some of these changes that they may not even be prepared for.

The bigger pill to swallow is the examination system, which fails to ascertain what a student effectively knows. It becomes worse when there’s no room for dealing with the effects of anxiety and learning differences. And this is where psychotherapy in education is required.

There are multiple components that can affect the academic output of a student, and most of these are not exactly put into consideration in today’s world of academics.

Providing access to Psychotherapy in schools can help to address these issues by creating an ideal environment where students, irrespective of race, orientation, or challenges, can speak freely about their problems and look for professional help.

These issues affect the public schooling sector a lot more since a failure to follow new guidelines may result in a loss of funding. Hence, they are forced to conform to rigid rules, sometimes not plausible.

One more piece of advice for students out there: So, while there’s that need to surround yourself with the right people, it is essential to take care of others as well as you take care of yourself. Don’t keep scores with the people that you love. It’s not a football game. Making comments like “I’ve been there for you ten times, and you’ve only supported me once” could lead to resentment and undermine relationships in the long term.

Always be clear with others, and do not hesitate to let them know if you need more support or feel like you’re being used. But try your best not to keep scores.

In Jessica’s words: “I think just being there for other human beings is what we need to do.”

We all need to understand that many times, people may not exactly be receptive towards our ideals. In many cases, there’s little we can do about it, but even when you try to talk to people on these issues, try your best to avoid yelling at them.

“At the end of the day, actions speak louder than words.”