Let’s face it; not everyone is good at performing or learning while in large groups. When people are dealing with anxiety, it prevents them from truly being themselves – they are more focused on things that have absolutely nothing to do with their current surroundings. Typically, people battling social anxiety perform well in smaller groups and even better in one-on-one situations. This is why one-on-one mentorships work well for children regarding therapy or even just learning something new. People must get their time in a space that feels safe to express whatever they need.
One-On-One Counseling in School
Schools have hundreds to thousands of students, with some classes having up to 30 students per class. Some colleges even have up to hundreds in each class. For someone struggling with anxiety, this may present a significant problem. At some point, we will all have to interact with strangers throughout life and make new friends; this doesn’t mean that everyone will thrive from just being tossed in a group. Many people, especially children, need to be eased into social interaction. If you notice your child struggling in large groups at schools, it may be time to look into one-on-one mentorship.
You are never too old to get a counselor to help you maneuver throughout your life. A school counselor can discuss your day to day and even help you learn how to navigate large groups or classes. They help students become motivated learners and open up their minds to different careers. Having a mentor or counselor can encourage kids to talk to their parents about whatever they are worried about in life.
School counselors can even help support parents. Often, children, especially teenagers, have difficulty reaching out to their parents about what they are struggling with. Counselors can serve as a critical point of contact for parents with questions or concerns. Parents may reach out to counselors to discuss their child’s academic progress, social issues, or emotional challenges. Counselors can help parents connect with appropriate school staff or access needed resources and help mediate disputes between families, teachers, or other school staff. They can also provide support and information to parents advocating for their child’s academic or personal needs.
One-On-One Mentoring in the Workplace
You are never too old or successful to have a mentor. You can receive many benefits from mentors deep into your career or just life. Mentors can help adults grow in personal and professional life and push them into believing in themselves. If you are looking for increased productivity or engagement in the workplace, a mentor can help you figure out what needs to be done for that to happen.
Many adults find themselves overly critical when they make mistakes, but a mentor can help you understand that it is okay to make mistakes and move forward. Some companies even provide mentorship for their employers to reduce the turnover rate. A person who isn’t receiving any form of mentorship, even if it’s unofficial, typically ends up looking for another job within 12 months. In many cases, college graduates are listing mentoring as a requirement for companies while on their job hunt because mentoring helps motivate employees to do better. It enhances your chances of moving up in the company.
Who Can Be a One-on-One Mentor?
The truth is, almost anyone can do one-on-one mentoring. If you are a person who has a specific set of skills, then you can potentially help someone in need. Although many mentors have some sort of expertise, it doesn’t have to be a requirement. If you have lived long enough to have a lot of experiences to share and want help, you can be a mentor. Just about any adult with good intentions can be a mentor for children if they decide to. Someone is always watching or looking up to another individual, so mentoring can become a natural thing. If you are in a high position at work or a position of power, you may be the right candidate for mentoring your co-workers. Every workplace can benefit from the people with the most experience guiding the ones who are newly struggling with growth.
Organizations like The Boys and Girls Club and Big Brothers and Sisters are great programs for those who want to become mentors for youth. These programs allow adults to give back to the people in their community. They help serve those who are underserved and need the extra help. Many kids in the inner city are subject to violence, substance use, and even depression. Providing them with mentors can go a long way when the person helping them wants to make a change.
One-on-one mentorship can play a significant role in children and adults’ lives no matter where they are in life. If your child is struggling in school with academics or social life, it may be time to reach out to counselors. Even if you are an adult looking to move up in the current company you work at, one-on-one mentorship can help get you to where you need to be in your career. Although many people may need a mentor, if you can also help others’ lives, it won’t hurt to consider being a mentor for your peers or even for kids. You can reach out to many programs if you are in need. Healthy U has plenty of programs that can assist you or a child to put you on the right path with your mental health. Our mission is to help teens learn to deal with trauma or emotions impacting them, productively and healthily. Call us today at (619)-542-9542.
