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Which considerations are important when choosing professional counseling?

The extent to which counseling is experienced as helpful or not depends on how well the counseling that is offered addresses the specific concern of the client. For this reason, it is important to first consider the intended outcome of the consultation.

For advice on problems in the family environment or on parenting issues, parents should turn to parenting resource centers (Erziehungsberatungsstellen). If they are looking for information or help with educational matters, specialized counseling centers for gifted children (Begabungspsychologische Beratungsstellen) or school psychology services (Schulpsychologie) can probably provide more assistance, particularly because they are more experienced in diagnosing giftedness. Early childhood educators can help parents find the counseling services that are most appropriate for their needs. It is important that parents and their concerns are taken seriously and that questions about possible giftedness are not dismissed as a “luxury problem.” Regular networking between the Kitas and the local counseling centers ensures that parents are provided with more reliable information and are directed to the most suitable contact persons for each individual case.