FAQ

What are the roles of the school counselor and school-based therapist?  

School counselors and school-based therapists both provide:

• Individual counseling and check-ins for students referred by teachers, parents, and students via self-referral. 

• One-time lunch invitation with each student on campus.

• Parent Consultation.

• Teacher Consultation.

• Student Leadership Opportunities. 

School Counselor:

• School Counselors provide guidance lessons in classrooms monthly. 

School-Based Therapist:

• School-Based Therapists provide small group counseling for students referred by teachers, parents, or students via self-referral. These are ongoing groups that run for 5 weeks, with multiple sessions throughout the school year. 

Do all students see the counselor?  

Yes, all students will receive monthly guidance lessons in their classrooms.  These lessons will complement the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons provided by their classroom teacher using Second Step Resources.  Lessons include topics on intrapersonal & interpersonal relationships, personal and online safety, and college and career readiness. Parents can find links to monthly lessons here. 

I think my child needs therapy, can the school counselor, or school-based therapist provide it? 

Counselors can provide caring support based on solid counseling theory on a short-term basis if a student needs help coping with a situation that is affecting their academic performance.  We do not provide therapy in the school setting. Sometimes, after working with a student, a referral to outside private counseling may be recommended for additional support.  

Will students get sent to the counselor when they are in trouble?  

Discipline is typically handled by an administrator.  Counselors see students for all kinds of reasons, but never as a negative consequence.  If a Counselor is called in for a discipline issue due to unforeseen circumstances, Restorative Practices are provided.  We strive to ensure  Counselors are seen as a safe place for students, staff, and parents.   

Will I be contacted if my child visits with the counselor? 

 It depends on the reason for the visit.  Students who stop in for quick visits, an informal lunch bunch, or for simple mediation usually do not require a call home. Parents of students who are seen frequently , participate in a small structured group, or who are having problems with a friend that cannot be solved by simple mediation, will be contacted. Students who are seen regularly by a counselor, individually or in a small group, will be contacted, and permission for these services will be obtained via email or a permission form. 

Is a student's visit with the counselor confidential? 

All student information is kept confidential in accordance with the educational code. Information may be shared with the student's teacher if the counselor, the student, and/or the parent feels it is important for them to know.  Disclosures of abuse or neglect are required by law to be reported to the appropriate legal authority. This is explained to students in child-friendly language.  

Can a parent request a visit with the counselor?  

Yes!  We love to collaborate with parents and strive to provide support whenever possible.  Email is the best way to set up an appointment. Michelle Corbett - mcorbett@eanesisd.net. Abby Nickle - anickel@eanesisd.net