FAQ

School Counselors' role is defined by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Click here for information from ASCA and here for information from TEA.

We are fortunate enough to have two roles serving on our Elementary Campuses: the school counselor and school-based therapist. The primary purpose of the school-based therapist is to provide therapeutic support to students experiencing social, behavioral, or emotional issues that interfere with learning through the use of assessment, consultation, and coordination of school and community resources. Our school-based therapists hold advanced degrees in a mental health field and state licensure. School-based therapists do not deliver the Tier 1 guidance program, but can provide lessons for emerging situations and be active participants in the grade levels and school-wide activities. 

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. We have 2 counselors who will provide lessons in the classrooms.

School 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.

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

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.

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.

Yes! We love to collaborate with parents and try to provide support if/when we can. Email is the best way to set up an appointment. You can email Mrs. Erwin at lerwin@eanesisd.net. Please know you can also call us at 512.732.9140 and request to speak with a counselor. If we cannot take your call, we will call you back as soon as possible.