Individual Counseling
"In individual or small group settings, school counselors provide planned, short-term and goal-focused counseling. School counselors do not provide therapy or long-term counseling in schools. However, school counselors are prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health needs and assist students and families seeking resources." (www.schoolcounselor.org)
The work that I do with students one-on-one is geared toward learning skills and strategies to find and maintain an overall sense of wellness. If students are struggling with friends we may talk about how to problem-solve. If students are finding it difficult to control their emotions we may look at and practice different calming techniques. If students are upset or worried about things happening outside of school we may role play what being responsible and safe looks like. The focus in all of the these situations and more is the student's well-being.
Students do not need permission to speak with me and they can approach individual counseling through student request, parent/teacher referral or via counselor invitation. In addition, there are counselor mailboxes posted in the school hallways that are available for students to leave a note or request to talk if they choose to use that resource and I check them daily to meet with students as soon as I can.
Confidentiality
There is a degree of confidentiality with students and counseling. Elementary school students are beginning to understand the value of privacy for themselves, their families and others. Respecting this right to privacy is fundamental to a counseling relationship. It allows students an opportunity to share their concerns with a trusted adult who will listen non-judgmentally in an environment of physical and emotional safety. Information that students share in the context of counseling will be kept confidential but there are limits to maintaining confidentiality as required by law and ethics. These include:
• Intent to harm self or others
• Suspected abuse or neglect of a child
• An appropriate court order is received
I will always work to respect a student’s right to confidentiality which includes asking for permission to speak with a parent and/or teacher about a situation when I feel there is pertinent information to help us work together as a support network. While confidentiality is important in my role as a counselor I also recognize that parent and teacher communication is essential to helping students.
To build trust with students I explain that information shared in a counseling session is private, but I will often encourage students to talk with parents and share what was shared with me and I will choose to notify parents about counseling services using my best professional judgment. If I meet with a student regarding a simple friendship issue that is quickly resolved (and meetings like this happen often) it could take a considerable amount of time away from other direct student services for me to make that phone call home for every student. Therefore, parents/guardians are always welcome to contact me if they have questions or concerns regarding their child.
https://www.schoolcounselor.org/About-School-Counseling/Ethical-Responsibilities/Ethical-Legal-Tips