[stevenstwin]

You might have read my earlier post about getting my 15 y.o. foster son to agree to counselling. Basically, he finally said "yes" , but that it HAD to be with a certain man (Keir) who had counselled him 5 years ago. I pitched it to Keir, who has been promoted to a regional educationa consultant and does NOT do private counselling anymore, but he said he'd do it!! I was pretty excited and thought this was an awesome step. WEELLL...I just spoke to the caseworker, and she's not excited. Although she'd initially told me that he should have a free choice in who would counsel him, she's now saying that it should only be someone contracted by the department. Her BIGGER reason is that Keir is more focused on behavioural strategies (expert in severe behaviour disorders, which is the purpose he was seeing A. for last time) and NOT the kind of issues-based therapy A really needs. She suggested some other people who'd have a better match in terms of training and experience, and I so totally DO see her point on this, but A. was SO adamant about "Keir or nothing" that I really, really think he'll turn tail and run if we try to get him to see someone else instead. So my choices are:
- have him keep seeing Keir permanently (Caseworker will allow it - grudgingly - but I'd have to pay out of pocket)
- attempt to convince him right now that he needs to see someone else
- Let him start with Keir, and hopefull Keir can help me transition him to someone else.