Yes, mental health is part of the big picture. The client comes to us with many parts to the package. Depending on how we define mental health, in its broadest perspective, we are talking about the mental state of the client. We have all seen the fearful client, the aggressive client, suspicious client and so forth. What is the vision that this client has of themselves? Knowing what that vision is helps us to provide the necessary customer service. At our college, every student undergoes two interviews - one with the admission advisor and one with the program chair. Both interviews are looking at the vision and through it, the mental health of the client. Interviews really help in the selection of students and in the referral of students for other services.
"Mental Health" means helping our students understand the baggage they may have and how to deal with some of the challenges they may come across in their educational career.
Excellent response. You are an Intelligent Heart.
I disagree. We are in the education business however; we have a responsibility to our students to help them through a challenging part of their life. We need to understand that it’s our responsibility to help our students reach there goals. The term “mental health” seems like it’s an unpleasant experience helping our students.
Glen,
I agree with your statement, that we cannot call ourselves “mental health” professionals because we have not been trained nor do we have the credentials. However, Dr. Joe Pace gave a great explanation of the meaning of being in the “mental health” business in the career college sector. In the December 21, 2008 post he states, “By Mental Health we mean that many students need to learn "Life Skills" that should be Modeled, Mentored and Monitored by all employees.” Most of our students show up to school with a lot of baggage, and they need our assistance in leaning the “life skills” to obtain the lives and careers they want.
If we admit to being professionals, then I do not beleive that we can call ourselves "mental health" professionals because we have not been trained nor do we have the credentials.
I agree. Many of my students are in school to stay out of jail. We provide a means for them to turn their life around, only if we continue to remember that they all have problems. We must help them make better decisions on dealing with their problems so they don't continue making the wrong choices.
I totally agree. Everyone has problems, some have more then others. Not everyone realizes this. Sometimes they come in crying or very distracted due to something that has happened and are ready to quite. It's too stressful. That is where we come in and maybe share our experience, or someone else's of the trials and tribulations we have gone through and encourage them that if I can do it, you can too!
Joseph, great response! You get what we are all about in this sector of higher education.
I agree that at times as educators we are also in the mental health business. As with any situation that involves the interaction between people, there is always mental health aspect involved.
Dr Pace,
While we are actually employed as instructors/teachers/mentors, the reality of the matter is that we in fact are also part mental health professional/counselr in a sense when we deal with the probelms that occur in the lives of our students. I believe we have a fiduciary responsibility to our students to listen, guide and help them to achieve their goals. I always tell the students I am available to listen to anything that is troubling them and if I can't assist I will be happy to direct them to a resource that can provide help, be it student services for money issues or prehaps the schools counselor for family or personal issues. Being able to offer sometimes just a kind ear is enough to help the student resolve the dilema. I need to help my students prepare not only to become technicians for the technical end but also how to act and funtion in the capacity of an responsible employee. IE. how to talk to customers and relay information to their service advisor. What to expect when dealing with someone for parts or how to deal with an angry customer...It's not personal, they are just upset about their car and you are there so, can you listen without becoming defensive and angry in return...
This isn't always easy to do especially if you are personally having a bad day.
So yes...I believe we are in multiple businesses.
I agree with you on this.
I agree that educators are in the mental health business. I say that because, all persons in a position of managing people are in the mental health business. I believe in the whole person. Employees, students, etc. are not one dimensional creatures. It is important to make sure the mind is well or at least focused on the goal of success. Otherwise, everything else is academic.
We need to help them as much as possible with some of their lifestyle issues (that get in the way) before many are ready to learn.
I also agree. Many times I have had students with disorders and major problems in their personal life. Which explains why they have a hard time with the course. I believe that we need to help them or direct them to someone that can. I want to know that I did my best to help them succeed. They are our future.
I dont feel that we are in more than one business,But we need to ware more than one hat.
As educators we need to hone and use all of our skills to give our costomers the best education possable.
Sometimes all students need is someone to talk to that becomes a model and mentor to them.
I see this everyday as an instructor. I try to be friendly with my students and know what is going on in their lives. When I see one distressed, I take them aside and listen and figure out a way to help. Even if I can't help, the students always appreciates the listening.
Many of our students didn't have many good models in their lives and need Lifestyle Skills. We need to become their models and mentors for these skills.
I firmly agree. I believe that everyone has some form of personal conflicts outside of business and school. This is where mental health comes in. Even if you are talking to your friend and seeking support or looking to an instructor for guidance, everyone needs some form of mental support and security.
