[nabs-l] Proactively sharing frustrations with rehab services

[Wasif, Zunaira]

As a counselor, I just want you guys to know that most of the time a service is refused because of a supervisor or district administrator.  I explain this to all of my clients, but some counselors don't bother with it because they are worried about political pressures in the office.  Not all counselors are client centered which is very unfortunate.  I am extremely open to criticism because I've been a client myself, but a lot of these counselors don't know where your coming from.  I certainly don't get offended by this type of conversation.  In fact, you guys need to advocate for yourselves as much as possible in order to create change with in these agencies.  

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Anjelina
Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2012 9:05 AM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nabs-l] Proactively sharing frustrations with rehab services

Good morning all,
It seems lately we’ve been on the topic of expressing various frustrations with rehab services or the lack of support. As a consumer of such services, I understand the frustrations and irritation everyone has shared. This is just my opinion: while we have the right to gripe to fellow students is it fair to put down these professionals who are not on list to defend themselves? I am not at all saying as students we don’t have valid claims but to questions a counselors memory span or abilities on a public forum is doing exactly what we as students feel is being done to us. We are being misjudged or misunderstood.
If we as students feel our needs are not being met, rather than directly dealing with the counselors there is always a supervisor one can contact. Make sure your counselor knows your complaints and have documentation of their refusal to provide services we feel are necessary.
I’m not trying to be difficult or dismissive or any of the frustrations which have been shared; I want to be as supportive rather than feed into the negativity which is quite easy to fall into. Please know I have fallen into this trap. 
I have always found this list to be a proactive community which challenges and supports each other. Let’s keep up the trend.
Wishing all the best,

Anjelina