Q. What are some of the things that a family can do to show love towards each other. I know my mother, who is 55, loves me but she does not say so. I am 17.

A. Your mother grew up in a time when it was not the popular thing to express love through verbal communication. Since you are more aware, you can tell your mother the positive ways you feel when she does something nice and it is possible that by you showing her positive behaviour she will appreciate it and possibly follow you. You can also tell your mother that you would love to hear her say 'I love you' and express other positive words.

Q I am reading more about psychology since your column began. Can you tell me more about the things we should look for when counselling others?

A. You need to ensure that the person is not physically ill. If someone is physically ill and does not know it, then it can affect the counselling you provide. The person's mental ability, emotional state and the spiritual issues of the client should be of great concern to any counsellor.

Q I realise that because our child is not well, mentally, we are arguing more. What canwe do?

A. What may be happening is that both of you are focusing your attention on the child and ignoring your own emotional needs. It is good that you have noticed this. Both of you should now make some time for each other and do not feel guilty about doing this.

Orlean Brown-Earle, PhD, is a child psychologist and family-therapist. Dr Brown-Earle works with children with learning and behaviour problems throughout the island and in the Caribbean. Email questions to helpline@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston.