What Is A
School Counselor?
School Counselors work with the entire school community to help foster a positive and supportive atmosphere for all students to be the best version of themselves.
We provide direct services to students through classroom counseling lessons, small counseling groups and individual counseling. We strive to help students see and work toward their potential in the social, emotional, behavioral and academic areas of their lives. In addition, we collaborate with parents, teachers and community partners on the best ways to help Skyland students be successful. Schools Counselors also play a critical role in other areas within the school, such as planning and executing events to builder a stronger school community, recognizing students who display exemplary character traits and achieve personal and/or academic goals, serving as 504 Plan Coordinators and providing professional development to staff on best strategies to support students. School Counselors also partner with community agencies to help students be safer, healthier and happier.
Classroom Counseling
School Counselors provide whole class lessons to students on topics related to character education. Classroom Counseling lessons focus on our school's 8 core values and are taught once/month during 30-45 minute blocks. This is a super special time for me as I get to establish relationships with the students while helping them develop new personal skills. Fun & engaging activities are used to help teach the material in an easy-to-understand manner.
Small Group Counseling
Schools Counselors provide small group counseling services to students who would benefit from additional support in a variety of areas. Groups are typically between 5-8 students who share some of the same areas of difficulty. School Counselors serve as facilitators as students talk through thoughts and feelings about the area of concern. A few examples of small group topics are: New Student Worries, Changing Families, Grief/Loss and Self-Acceptance. In addition, I regularly assess the needs of the student population and design groups based on the particular needs I am aware of. Students who identify and share concerns with others who can relate, benefit significantly. Students may self-refer for small group counseling and/or parents & teachers may refer them to participate in a group. If you believe that your child would benefit from this valuable service, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Individual Counseling
Schools Counselors provide individual counseling services to students who would benefit from a more individualized level of support. Students are free to express their thoughts and emotions. In turn, School Counselors offer a listening ear and helpful strategies for personal growth. Typically, School Counselors do fun and engaging activities with students during individual counseling. These activities help foster a healthy counselor-student relationship and provide the opportunity for the student to practice new skills they have learned. Students may self-refer for individual counseling and/or parents & teachers may refer them to participate. If you believe that your child would benefit from this valuable service, please don't hesitate to reach out!