Therapeutic counselling at schools

“Breaking the cycle of trauma is critical for the well-being of family and children, and has a relevance to social justice, because trauma diminishes life opportunities  across generations and hinders social mobility.”

What do we mean when we say we offer psycho-social support.  The term ‘psycho-social’ indicates the dynamic relationship between the psychological or emotional and social aspects of a person’s life.
• Psychological dimensions = emotions, thought processes, feelings and internal reactions
• Social dimensions = relationships, family and community networks, social values and cultural practices & with wider society, legal, policy implications

When we describe a healthy psycho-social school environment we mean a school that:
• is warm, friendly and rewards learning
• promotes cooperation rather than competition
• facilitates supportive, open communications
• views the provision of creative opportunities as important
• prevents physical punishment, bullying, harassment and violence
• promotes the rights of children through equal opportunities and democratic procedures
• simultaneously provides support to teachers, students and their families

At Community Keepers, our services include:

Assessment and Diagnosis, Individual Counselling, Psychotherapy, Trauma Debriefing, Crisis Intervention

Our practitioner will first assess and then decide on the appropriate intervention and/or referral.  Admission to these services is gained through self-reporting or referrals by educators, parents or guardians, or other community members and organisations.

Some of the issues we are able to assist with include:

FAMILY CONCERNS include: Abuse (Physical, Emotional and Sexual) and/or Neglect ; Relationship Problems between Parents or Guardians or Siblings; Divorce; Financial Strain.
BEHAVIOUR: Gender Based Violence (GBV); Bullying; Anger.
PEER CONCERNS: Friendship; Bullying (Verbal and/or Physical).
SUBSTANCE ABUSE: Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS); Alcohol Abuse; Tobacco; Dagga; Methamphetamine (Tik).
EMOTIONAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL CONCERNS: Trauma; Stress; Grief; Depression; Anxiety; Suicidal Thoughts; Eating Disorders; Withdrawal; Low Self-Esteem.
SEXUALITY: Rape; Molestation; Sexual Harassment; Abortion; Sexual Orientation.
CHRONIC/SERIOUS ILLNESSES: Tuberculosis (TB); HIV/AIDS; Cancer; Epilepsy.
SCHOLASTIC CONCERNS: School Dropout; Motivation; Career Guidance


The following direct benefits are experienced by learners making use of the services:

  • Greater insight into problems and provision of a professional opinion concerning problems.
  • Skills gained in the management of problems, stress, peer pressure, relationship boundaries, emotions, behaviour and decision-making.
  • Greater motivation and enthusiasm for purposeful living.
  • Advice on how to change relationship dynamics (family, partner, spouse, friends, colleagues, people in authority) that have a negative impact on learners’ lives.
  • Modification of false or negative perceptions by building self-esteem and establishing personal norms as well as values.
  • Improved relationships with self, peers and family.
  • Academic engagement and Performance