How often have you heard someone say “We have a mental health problem!” in the aftermath of a school shooting? It’s usually the thing you hear immediately after “We need commonsense gun control,” whatever that is…
I’m going to guess it’s roughly every time, and it’s even possible you’ve said it yourself. Who could blame you? No one would deny the fact that anyone shooting up a school is mentally disturbed, but is that the whole story? Why schools? Why students and teachers? Why aren’t we asking these questions?
My guests for this show have some thoughts on that subject, as well as some fascinating insights to impart to us about how “mental health” is addressed at school, and how there might be more to the location of these horrific events than a building full of defenseless targets.
Also, if you are currently under the impression we need more mental healthcare inside schools, or that every child should be evaluated for mental illness by default by school counselors, you’ll want to hear what my guests have to say.
Pamela Garfield-Jaeger has worked as an LCSW for over 20 years in a variety of settings and programs. Most recently she worked with teens in school and outpatient settings. She realized that the vast majority of parents are unprepared to engage the Mental Health system from a position on knowledge and understanding. She is here to help educate parents on what to expect and how to interact with a very complicated and insular system.
Follow Pam on X @truththerapist, and check out her website, work, public speaking and service offerings here: https://linktr.ee/thetruthfultherapist
Cyndi O'Brien is a former K12 education insider. She was an English teacher for 17 years and a school counselor for 3 years. She finally quit because of the corruption. She has been a whistleblower and produces her own videos and podcasts exposing what goes on behind the scenes in K12 education.
Cyndi is currently employed as a child trauma therapist while she works toward professional counselor licensure (which should occur in just a couple of months). She also works as a college instructor of both English and Counseling.
Follow Cyndi on X @ObrienCynd72601 and on YouTube @k12formerinsider
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