1. How can I refer my student to the school counselor?
Parents/Guardians can contact me through email, catherine.harkema@nhcs.net or by phone, 790.2250 ext 72707. Students return can refer themselves by filling out a "Something's Bugging Me" slip located outside my office door and placing it in the envelope.
2. Will you tell me when you speak with my student?
Students are ALWAYS encouraged to share the information we talk about with caregivers, teachers or other adults who can help. We often make a plan to do this while working together. Counseling sessions are confidential, unless the student gives me permission to share or if the student shares they are being hurt or if they are thinking about hurting him/herself or someone else.
3. How often will you see my child?
In general, I work with students on a specific topic for 4 to 6 sessions, once a week during non-instructional time for 15 to 30 minutes. Then offer check-ins and follow-ups as needed. If a student needs additional help outside this time frame I typically refer to a community agency or private counselor/therapist. When a student is referred to me through our MTSS process the team will work together on the duration of services and parents are always a part of this team.
4. Do elementary school children really need counseling?
Yes! Children experience many of the same problems adults face in life but have learned fewer coping strategies and have less of a capacity to understand and control their circumstances. It is my job to help students learn appropriate coping skills and help remove any barriers they experience keeping them from becoming successful learners and positive members of our community.