FTE Counselors

What is the role of a school based therapist and school counselor?

School counselors and school-based therapists are both important professionals in schools, but they have different roles:

School Counselor:
- Role: School counselors are helpers in school. They're there to support students with their social, emotional, and academic needs.
- Services: They help students with things like making friends, managing stress, and setting goals for the future.
- Training: School counselors usually have a master's degree in counseling and training in school settings.
School-Based Therapist:
- Role: School-based therapists are helpers who focus on students' mental and emotional well-being.
- Services: They provide counseling or therapy to students who might be dealing with more serious emotional or behavioral challenges. They help students work through things like anxiety, depression, or family issues.
- Training: School-based therapists are licensed mental health professionals, with extra training in working with students.

In short, school counselors help all students with a wide range of school and life issues, while school-based therapists offer specialized help for students who need support with their mental and emotional health. Both are essential in creating a safe and supportive school environment.

Do all students see the counselor?

Yes, all students will receive guidance lessons about every three weeks in their classrooms. These lessons will compliment the Social and Emotional Learing (SEL) lessons provided by their classroom teacher. Lessons will also include helpful information about personal safety, college and career readiness, and keeping our school bully-free. Ms. Fink works with children in the classroom while Ms. Minger sees students in her office.

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 child needs some help coping with a tough situation that is affecting their education. For instance, a child who is going through a loss may have a hard time focusing in class and benefit from extra support. Sometimes, after working with a student, a referral for outside private counseling may occur for additional support.

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

Usually discipline is handled by administration. 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 unforseen circumstances Restorative Practices are provided and parents will be contacted. 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 generally get a call or note home.

Is a student's visit with the counselor confidential?

All student information is kept confidential within the educational code. Any counseling documentation is considered to be part of the child's school record, thus subject to legal requirements. Information may be shared with the student's teacher if the counselor and the student and/or parent feel 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 try to provide support if we can. Email is the best way to set up an appointment.