FAQ's

1. What does a school counselor actually do?

Think of the school counselor as a "coach" for social and emotional skills. I work with all students through:

• Classroom Lessons: Teaching topics like empathy, friendship, and problem-solving.

• Small Groups: Helping students with similar needs (e.g., changing families, social skills, or anxiety).

• Individual Support: Short-term, goal-oriented meetings to help students navigate challenges at school.

2. How can my child see the counselor?

Students can be referred in a few ways:

• Self-referral: Students can let their teacher know or drop a note in my "Check-in" box.

• Parent/Guardian request: You can email or call me directly if you have a concern.

• Teacher referral: Teachers may reach out to me if they notice a student struggling.

3. Is school counseling the same as private therapy?

No. School-based counseling is short-term and solution-focused. We focus on issues that impact a student’s ability to learn and succeed at school. If a student requires long-term clinical therapy or a mental health diagnosis, I can provide a list of community resources and outside providers.

4. Is what my child tells you confidential?

Privacy is very important to building trust. What a student shares with me stays between us, unless:

1. They are being hurt by someone else.

2. They plan to hurt themselves.

3. They plan to hurt someone else. In these cases, I am legally and ethically required to involve parents and the appropriate authorities to ensure everyone's safety.

5. Can you help with my child’s behavior at home?

While my primary focus is the school environment, I am happy to consult with you! We can discuss strategies to create consistency between home and school, or I can provide resources on positive parenting and developmental milestones.

6. My family is going through a tough time (divorce, loss, financial stress). Should I tell you?

Yes. Even if your child seems "fine" at the moment, knowing about significant changes at home helps me and the teachers support them with extra patience and care. I can also check in with them periodically to see how they are processing the change.

7. How long will my child see the counselor?

Individual check-ins are usually brief (15–20 minutes) so students don't miss too much instructional time. If a student is in a small group, those typically run for 6–8 weeks with 30-minute sessions. Our goal is always to give students the "tools" they need, so they can eventually navigate challenges independently.