Elmwood Counseling Q&A

When do you do classroom guidance lessons and what do they involve?

Counselors are available to go into classrooms to support the teacher with social emotional related lessons on issues that may arise throughout the school year.

Do you offer small group counseling?

Yes, small groups will be available throughout the year.  Each small group will typically have 2-5 students.  The majority of small groups will meet once a week for around 30 minutes, for about 6-8 weeks.  After that time, we will re-evaluate and determine next steps.

Lunch bunch sessions will also be provided.  Lunch bunch is a way for students to get to know one another in a structured environment.  We try to give any student who wants to participate an opportunity to be in a lunch bunch at least once during the year.

Do you do individual counseling?

Yes, individual counseling will be done on an as needed and individualized basis.  

Does my child need permission to see the school counselor?

A student only needs permission when the counseling will be on-going, and in this case the adjustment counselor will contact you.  School counseling is considered a regular educational service provided by the school.  If a child has an issue with a friend or is having a difficult day, the school adjustment counselor may intervene to support the student.  We will then follow up with the parent/guardian to let them know how the counselor supported their child.

My child is concerned others will make fun of him/her for visiting the school counselor, what should I do?

The students know who counselors are because we are visible throughout the school throughout the days.  We visit classrooms, lunches, and recesses, and are able to build positive relationships with students in that capacity.  Counselors have also built relationships with many students through lunch bunches, classroom lessons, etc.  Many students visit counselors  with  a variety of concerns, and we can work with you and your child to help them feel comfortable should they be concerned about what others may think. The meetings with your child will be confidential and we can provide your child with language to use if other students ask why they came to the counseling office.

What is confidentiality and how does it apply to the school counselor?

Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling; this is how the counselor builds trust with the student. What the child says during counseling is to remain between the counselor and the child unless:

     1. The child is in imminent danger.

     2. The child is threatening to harm him/herself or someone else.

     3. The child reports an incident of abuse and/or neglect.

     4. The child gives permission to disclose.

When a breach in confidentiality is necessary, we would make a report to the appropriate agencies, support staff and/or parents depending on the situation.

*Note: School counselors and other school staff members are mandated reporters. Mandated reporters are required by law to report to DCF any report made to them by a student or others regarding the safety of that child. 

How can I contact you?

By phone or email.