School refusal is a complex and challenging issue that can be caused by various factors including anxiety, depression, family violence, bullying, learning difficulties, drugs and alcohol, gaming and porn addiction and other psychological and social causes. Therefore tailoring interventions to identify and address for the individual is crucial. Some strategies may include:
1. Building trust and rapport
Without building trust and rapport with the young person you are not going to get very far. Meeting them on their level, fostering autonomy and collaborating with them will give them the best opportunity for positive change.
2. Identify the underlying causes
Once a trusting relationship is formed, an overall assessment of the students social connections, support network, emotional level, psychological needs/wants. The more information you get, the better your assessment will be. Talk to the school, teachers, wellbeing staff, any involved mental health workers and any behavioural observations will go a long way to trying to understand the cause.
3. Use evidence based interventions
Using evidence based interventions that match with the client is key. There are many modalities that a therapist can use and skills that can be taught and practiced. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, social skills training, capacity building, relaxation/mindfulness techniques. It is important to go at the young persons speed, if you try to push too hard they can revert to old behaviour.
4. Celebrate the small victories
Everyone get on board. Celebrating the small victories is a great way to build momentum and confidence. We all have our challenges, sometimes it is hard to get out of bed, celebrate it when they do it. Getting dressed for school, eating breakfast, making the bed, it really does not matter. The smaller you can break down the win the better. It is a stepping stone to positive self-talk and this can propagate positive self-image, forester autonomy and make the young person realise that they are not useless, that while some things are easy for some, they are challenging for others. And that’s ok. This is where the family and school really need to get on board.
5. Academic accomodations
Some students are so overwhelmed with the thought of how much work they need to catch up on that it can look like an impassable mountain. Collaborating and setting realistic targets to reintegrate back to school is a crucial part of the process. This is where you can discover potential barriers to education be it a learning challenge, social issue, issue with the teacher, learning style. This is the time to look at strengths and areas that require development. Does the young person need a tutor, learning support, extra time for assessments?
6. Build routines
Building routines with young people has shown to be very effective. Take sleep for example. Evidence suggests that getting up at the same time most days will set your circadian rhythm and support better sleep. Going to bed at the same time each night is not as important however the buildup to sleep time is. Social media, screen time, blue light, high sugar/processed food diet, energy drinks, gaming and porn are the enemy of good sleep pattens.
7. Exposure and planning
Collaborating and making the move when the young person is ready and within the limits that they set is very important when addressing school refusal. The young person needs to know that they are in control of their own life and reintegration to school. Starting by doing a practice run, what time do I need to get up, how long does the morning routine take, how do I get there, walk, ride, public transport or a lift. Do I listen to music, read a book, play a game? These are the questions that will help to create a good routine and reduce anxiety. What happens if I miss the bus or if I am running late? Planning, discussing and practicing the plan can reduce anxiety and support the return to school.
8. Develop a re-entry plan
Does the student need to attend every class every day? How about a staged return, which class is your favourite, want to start there? Anything is a win that can be celebrated and built upon. Does the student need to hand in every assessment and do every test? Creating specific goals with the collaboration of the student and school is a very important part of returning to school, you need school buy in and to focus on the end game, not the moment.
9. Address any bullying
Bullying is a very common cause of school refusal. It is important to address bullying through appropriate interventions, school policy and procedure and providing counselling to the bully and the victim. Often the bully is using this behaviour due to an underlying issue whether it is family violence, trauma or mental health issues and they may need support which will hopefully in turn support the return of the student affected by bullying.
Overall, supporting school refusal requires a lot of effort and buy in from the young person, family, school and support staff. Don’t give up, keep going and celebrating the wins no matter how small and seek appropriate support.
If you or you know someone who is struggling getting to school, please get in touch. www.lukaswinwardcounselling.com.au
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