Colonel John Stuart Elementary

What is a School Counsellor?

School Counsellors are caring adults who work in schools to help students. School Counsellors are available to help students in times of need - We are here to listen, without judgement.

Feeling overwhelmed, angry, sad, worried? Having problems with friends or at home? Feel like you don't fit in?

Sometimes it's just not possible to sort through tough times alone. Problems can build up and you may lose sleep, find you can't concentrate on school, or even have big feelings that you're not sure how to deal with. When you need to talk to someone, you can ask your teacher to come see me.

What is School Counselling?

Counselling activities can include individual or group counselling, whole class presentations and observations.

Many of these activities focus on helping students learn ways to build positive social skills, gain confidence in their ability to interact with others and learn ways to deal with problems and conflicts constructively.

A student would typically meet with me for approximately fifteen (15) to thirty (30) minute sessions.

School Counselling includes:

• Listening without judgement or agenda

• Empowering (not giving advice)

• Relieving distress

• Facilitating ongoing positive change

• Exploring options

• Gaining awareness

• Discovering strengths

• Developing coping mechanisms

• Clarifying priorities

• Establishing goals

• Brainstorming ideas

• Building resilience