Franya Jedwab

SelfDesign prides itself on the way it supports learners on their learning journeys. Our supportive approach includes learner-centred learning, ensuring kids have access to excellent learning resources, and mentoring both learners and parents throughout the learning journey. Our Family Services team also provides resources and supports to help learners and families when events or situations interfere with their participation in their SelfDesign learning program.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we talked to SelfDesign Counsellor Franya Jedwab about what she does as part of the Family Services team. As a counsellor, Franya draws on an undergraduate degree in child and youth care, a Master of Arts degree in counselling psychology, and 19 years of diverse experience working with people of various ages and at various levels of need to help support SelfDesign’s learners and families. She also brings to her role empathy, warmth, compassion and a gift for quickly earning learners’ and families’ trust and making people feel comfortable and safe.

SelfDesign (SD): How would you describe your role?

Franya: I am the Counsellor at SelfDesign, which means I have the amazing role of working with many incredible families, kids, teens, and parents.

SelfDesign (SD): What is your approach to counselling?

Franya: My approach to counselling is multifaceted to best suit the needs of the people I am speaking with. I take an empathic and non-judgemental person-centred approach to my work, and I believe the first task in counselling is to form a safe therapeutic relationship from which to evolve and grow. People of all ages and levels of need learn best when they feel safe, respected and supported.

SelfDesign (SD): What brought you to SelfDesign?

Franya: My awesome 12-year-old son first brought me to SelfDesign as a SelfDesign mom. I found out about the Counsellor position through some of the folks we worked with there, and here I am and have been for the past 4 years!

Being a SelfDesign parent when my son was younger was a wonderful experience for our family, but that experience also really lends itself well to my current role as a counsellor. I am aware of the roles, tasks and responsibilities involved with learning at home and in the community under the SelfDesign model, as well as some of the challenges and advantages of that environment.

SelfDesign: Please give us an idea of some of the areas in which you can help learners and families.

Franya: I often am asked to provide support with parenting support and strategies, life skills and time management, self-esteem support, and child and teen mental health challenges. These include challenges such as depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and attention deficit disorder [ADHD/ADD], obsessive compulsive disorder [OCD], and many others. I also work with families to develop and put in place safety plans for their loved ones who may be at risk for self-harm or suicide.

SelfDesign: How can learners and families access your counselling support?

Franya: I work alongside the Contact Assistance Team within SelfDesign’s Family Services, and I also work with the school’s learning consultants and other support providers. The learning consultants and the members of the Contact Assistance Team all refer families to me, but families can also self-refer if they feel they would benefit from counselling.

SelfDesign: What do you love most about working with SelfDesign?

Franya: My favourite thing about working with Selfdesign is the privilege of getting to know so many amazing kids, families and parents. It is a gift to be part of their lives for a time – perhaps a very vulnerable time – and to be able to earn their trust.

SelfDesign: What one tip would you share with SelfDesign learners and families to help them make the most of their SelfDesign experience?

Franya: Please reach out and use all of the awesome resources that SelfDesign has to offer. There are so many truly caring individuals and teams here, all with resources to share.

Read more about how Family Services supports learning at SelfDesign.

Learn more about Family Services.