Letting Labels Out of the Box for Irish Childrens’ Mental Health

August 26th, 2009

Delicious Stumbleupon     

While most people have memories of being scolded for their behavior at some point during their childhood, not all will remember being perpetually labeled as a “bad” or “misbehaving” child. Those that do may have struggled with such labels growing up –and may still grapple with the concept as adults. Turning this trend around is the idea behind “Gem Kids,” a program developed in Ireland to help children move beyond the labels that peers, parents, and teachers sometimes give them in an effort to identify behavioral “problems” and explain them with clinical terms or preconceived ideas. The group hopes that through helping children see past these terms will avoid self-fulfilling prophecies and create better opportunities for behavioral success.

 

Delicious Stumbleupon     

© Copyright 2009 by http://www.GoodTherapy.org Therapist Los Angeles Bureau - All Rights Reserved.

Print This Post Print This Post

  • Find the Right Therapist

  • Join GoodTherapy.org - Therapist Only For Therapists For the Public
 

Comments

  • Jake August 26th, 2009 at 3:38 PM #1

    I was always one of those “bad” kids… I really think it has affected me in adult life, fortunatly i’ve gone through therapy to work on a lot of the issues associated with it. Looks like this program could be very beneficial.

  • joanna nell August 31st, 2009 at 4:12 AM #2

    Labelling children is the most degrading thing anyone can do to a child. I dont see it any different than abuse. Even in adulthood one doesnt see beyond and failure becomes certain. Stereotyping definitely stems from childhood.

Leave a Reply

By commenting on this blog you acknowledge acceptance of this Blog's Terms and Conditions of Use.

 

*

 

* = Required fields

 
 

Search Our Blog:

   

Blog Categories

 

Find the Right Therapist

Advanced Search | Browse Locations

 

Dear GoodTherapy.org

See More...
      therapist  

Recent comments

  • hank f: personally i think it is time for us all to get over it and move on, suck it up and show then that that kind of stuff does not fly anymore
  • Carole: Documentation is critical! Keep an ongoing list of everything that your child says is said to them or done to them to inflict hurt or...
  • Dermott: We always want to point the finger at someone else when in reality if there is something going on in your life that does not sit well with...
  • marie: What a moving and poignant way to explain- the timing has to be right in all aspects of life to get the most benefit out of it!
  • Joanne: Group therapy is so helpful for so many people but I know that there are those who shy away from that mode because they are embarassed to...