How do you try to counsel students who are known to cause violence?
The format of your answer is similar to when you are asked about handling difficult/challenging clients - define the circumstance, explain your course of action and then state your desired result. This time, you just have to tailor fit your manner of answering to the type of student you are being asked about.
"Students who are known to cause violence are difficult to talk to because their tendency is to channel all their energy physically. When I counsel students like this, I make sure that the environment is conducive for talking and that there will be nothing or no one that can be an object of his/her aggression. I then ask the student what it is that he/she hopes to achieve every time they act violently. My goal is that by beginning the counselling session with that question, the student will realise that his/her action is counterproductive and doesn't benefit anyone at all."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
When I work with students who have a tendency towards violence whenever they are emotional, I first and foremost try to create a safe, quiet space where they can deescalate in the moment of emotional outburst. Once I have given he/she time to calm themselves, I often ask what initially triggered the emotional response and get the person to provide alternative solutions to the problem they perceive, other than to use violence. I work with students to get them to realize that they have the power to make decisions that will result in better outcomes if they can learn to control their impulses and take a moment to think before reacting to any given situation. It is a process that takes time and patience and can only be achieved if I make the effort to form a trusting bond with students.
Rachelle's Feedback
Empowering those who feel powerless is an excellent point to minimizing violent behavior and emotion outbursts. Perfect response.
Anonymous Answer
Using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention techniques will be helpful when counseling students who are known to cause violence, so the student remains in a de-escalated state. We can discuss the reason behind aggressive/violent reactions, the benefits and risks of reacting in such a way, and his/her readiness for change. I would begin by asking if this is something he/she would like to work on, and then I'd be ready to offer some coping skills.
Stephanie's Feedback
Excellent response; you have a clear plan in place for helping the student to de-escalate and cope with the situation at hand.
Anonymous Answer
"Students who are known to cause violence are difficult to work with because their tendency is to channel all their energy physically. When I counsel students like this, I make sure that the environment is safe for talking and that there will be no one hurt. Then I ask the student what it is that he/she hopes to achieve every time they act violently. My goal is that by beginning the counseling session with that question, the student will realize that his/her action is counterproductive and doesn't benefit anyone at all."
Marcie's Feedback
Great! Do you have any experience working with violent students that you can also mention here? Talking about a time when you successfully managed a student with severe behavioral issues would give the interviewer the confidence that you're capable in this area of counseling. Good job!
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