1.
The pastoral counsellor’s role is to create a safe, Christ-centred space where children feel heard, valued, and protected. The counsellor must listen patiently, respond with love, and partner with caregivers and professionals when the child needs deeper support. Their role is not to fix everything, but to be a consistent, godly presence pointing the child toward healing and hope.
2.
One method that stood out is using play-based and trauma-informed communication, where children express themselves through storytelling, drawing, and sensory-friendly tools. Resources like UNICEF’s Handbook and the trauma content taught us that predictable routines, visual aids, and gentle speech build trust—especially in children affected by trauma, bullying, or family violence. I’ve also learned that involving caregivers and using calm, safe environments with simple language or visual supports can make a huge difference in helping a child feel secure, especially in under-resourced communities like Mokopane where I serve.