Q. Can a psychologist help me with my career choices? I am stuck at college and the counselling department is booked up until May. I need to choose some courses now. Can a regular psychologist help me?

A. A psychologist or counsellor who is trained to provide career counselling services will be able to help you make the best career choices. You should call a psychologist's office before you visit and inquire if the psychologist has had this training. The academic counsellor at your college may also be able to help you choose the appropriate courses you will need to match your career choice.

Q. I am having a problem with my sons who at eight and 12 already like girls with long hair more than girls with short hair. I thought it would be more of a problem with skin colour. How do I change their thinking?

A. Your sons are bombarded daily by images of girls with long hair in a positive way and because of this, they will think that long hair means beauty and wisdom. At home, you can simply share with them that having long hair does not make you beautiful or smart. Find positive images of persons with short hair and ensure that you are positive around persons with short hair too.

Q. My niece is now 17 and always chooses the wrong crowd to hang out with. Now she is in trouble at school because of this. How do I guide her to be a better person. Even though I am only 21, I am her aunt who is in college. I am afraid that she will end up in jail.

A. You need to sit your niece down and tell her the negative things that will result from her behaviour and stress the consequences of each action she takes. Be very frank and open with her. Let her know that you are not going to cover for her when she does bad things. Show her examples of how friends are no longer friends when trouble comes their way. Keep praying for her and encourage other family members to be positive around her. Encourage her to work towards her career goals also.

Orlean Brown-Earle, PhD, is a child psychologist and family therapist. Dr Brown-Earle works with children with learning and behavioural problems throughout the island and in the Caribbean. Email questions to editor@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston. Responses to concerns are to be considered as general, as cases shared with psychologists privately would be queried more deeply. Pray always!