Denial of service

[Superbia]

When i was around 10-11 i had to attend family counselling. I was just wondering if you have had counseling prior to the recruiting process if that can hold you back or even deny you. I have heard of people who have had counseling and were not allowed to join.

 

[BeyondTheNow]

I'm not a recruiter and don't know a lot of detail about what goes into their decision processes other than the basics--one's overall applicant score and what comprises it. (CFAT/Medical/interview package). But what I CAN say is that I went to family counseling as a child, and teen.  I also had some one-on-one counseling during different stages.  I went through the hiring process and have been merit-listed.  I can't see family counseling as a child having any bearing on your life as an adult.  Most people I know have had family/personal difficulties at some point or another.

In my experience, they look at the type of person you are now. If there's anything in your past that they want to discuss, they raise the issue.

 

[JorgSlice]

As far as I'm aware, the MCC never asked me about these things likely because they don't care. As long as the counselling was not the result or preamble to a diagnosis of a Mental Illness (and subsequently, prescription of medications) then the CF doesn't care if you went through any kind of family counselling.

The people that were held back were probably of the example I gave: Court Ordered counselling/treatment for anger or mental illness, or voluntary/doctor recommended counselling for anger or mental illness. I went through counselling as a kid when dealing with the rough separation of my parents, I was devastated and often acted out at elementary school but I was never asked about it nor did it affect my application.

 

[Superbia]

That's good to hear. All I know is that I've heard of people that have had some form of counseling whether it be mental counseling or some other form being denied due that. I only had family counseling and going off what you said I should be fine. Thanks.

 

[Precept]

That's good to hear. All I know is that I've heard of people that have had some form of counseling whether it be mental counseling or some other form being denied due that. I only had family counseling and going off what you said I should be fine. Thanks.

The counseling sessions  were probably a result of anger/gambling/alcohol/severe depression issues, that were contributing factors to an applicant being found not suitable for a trade. I would find it hard to believe an applicant being denied for counseling sessions they had when they were a child. Unless you were driving down the street drunk, angry, depressed, and with a pocket full of poker chips from the casino at age 10.

It's not the counseling sessions that are an issue, it's the behavior that lead to the counseling that can be problematic.

 

[Superbia]

I think i see where your coming from. If a child were to repeatedly break things, etc due to anger that might warrant further investigation but if it was because of a divorce that would be different? Also could you really deny someone with anger when they were a child years later?

 

[JorgSlice]

I think i see where your coming from. If a child were to repeatedly break things, etc due to anger that might warrant further investigation but if it was because of a divorce that would be different? Also could you really deny someone with anger when they were a child years later?

Really, the best thing you can do is attend your Medical Screening and be honest with them. They'll ask for any additional documents from your family GP or other if it's required.

 

[ArmyGuy99]

Yes, the PA or Sgt will ask about that, it's part of your medical screening. As for it affecting your enlistment.  That depends on a number of factors that cannot be discussed on an open forum, nor will any of us Medical Pers discuss specifics here anyway.

Be honest during your appointment, just because you sought counseling doesn't disqualify you.  I got counseling when I got back from tour. Doesn't mean I get kicked out for it.

I have worked recruiting, I have seen people who have had counseling got through no problem, I've seen them need to do to a little bit of extra leg work, and I've seen them denied, and sometimes it wasn't even for the problem that got them counseling to begin with.

Ok, so now that I'm done preaching my BS from the pulpit.  The short version is:

Don't sweat it, I wouldn't.  But I'm just not that kind of person anyway.

Good Luck Superbia

 

[Superbia]

What extra leg work are you talking about? Doctors notes etc? Also how can they catch if your lieing about counseling, they are confidential documents right? Again I am going to be completely honest.

 

[PuckChaser]

What extra leg work are you talking about? Doctors notes etc? Also how can they catch if your living about counseling, they are confidential documents right? Again I am going to be completely honest.

Don't worry about what you might have to do, just do what they tell you to do and answer everything 100% truthfully. You're not going to get the exact process unique to your situation through an internet forum.

 

[JorgSlice]

.... Also how can they catch if your lieing about counseling, they are confidential documents right? Again I am going to be completely honest.

The Surgeon General is actually a wizard.

 

[Superbia]

What do you mean?

 

[Ayrsayle]

What do you mean?

He's teasing, I believe - I can only assume in an attempt to get you to lighten up a bit.  I had counseling at points in my teenage years, and yes they did ask me about it. Be honest - being caught in a lie about it later can result in the termination of your career with the military. My counseling did not hinder my application in any significant way outside of being asked a few followup questions - it really is just one of the many factors that are considered (as noted above, problems arise when it becomes a symptom of another issue - like gambling, etc). Counseling is not a bad thing in and of itself, but the reasons why might need some explaining.

Good luck!

 

[Superbia]

Alright so having family issues really isn't a big there was some anger in those issues but its not an anger problem nor do I have problems with drugs, crime or anything. That said with what I mentioned above I should still be able to get in? Another potential problem is the psychologist who really had no idea what was going on threw around words like ADHD etc which I do not have, he pretty well forced meds on me until my parents realized I was no different on them ( about a month later) which was obvious to me from the start seeing as I knew I didn't have these problems.

 

[Ayrsayle]

Alright so having family issues really isn't a big there was some anger in those issues but its not an anger problem nor do I have problems with drugs, crime or anything. That said with what I mentioned above I should still be able to get in? Another potential problem is the psychologist who really had no idea what was going on threw around words like ADHD etc which I do not have, he pretty well forced meds on me until my parents realized I was no different on them ( about a month later) which was obvious to me from the start seeing as I knew I didn't have these problems.

I don't know of many kids (myself included) that didn't have a period of unhappiness with their families - but there is a difference between growing up and having anger issues. While I am sure you do not feel the Psychologist made an accurate diagnosis in regards to your situation (and really, most of us aren't in a position to disagree), the reality of the fact is that this person is a professional who has had years of training. In my experience the military tends to favour experience over opinion when weighing the merit of something. All that being said, my advice still holds. Apply, be honest with everything that happened, and try to show/demonstrate how the situation was a past issue, not a reflection of the present/future. Without knowing the exact details and not being a medical evaluator that's about the best most of us can give you here on the forum. Just be aware there are repercussions to withholding or lying in regards to your application.

Good luck.

 

[Ayrsayle]

All part of the story you may (or may not) be expected to show/demonstrate during your application. We are not mind readers, nor can we see all the details or results thereof.  All the more reason to disclose EVERYTHING in regards to it during your application with the recruiters/medical pers.

You have your answer - No one here is going to be able to tell you that your specific situation will or will not cause problems. Not sure what else to tell you besides what has already been said.