COUNSELING SERVICES

About Counseling Services
Our counseling services are part of a comprehensive school counseling program that supports students’ academic success, personal growth, and social-emotional development. Services are offered in collaboration with families, teachers, and community partners to help students build skills, navigate challenges, and reach their goals.

School counseling services include individual and group support, classroom counseling lessons, and referrals to additional resources. When appropriate, the licensed school counselor
helps connect families with outside professionals.

Conversations with the licensed school counselor are generally confidential. Exceptions to confidentiality occur when there is a concern for the safety of a student or others, or when required by law, in which case information may be shared with parents/guardians and appropriate outside agencies.

Parents/guardians are welcome to contact our licensed school counselor with questions or requests for support. Appointments can be made via the appointments page or by contacting her directly.

Classroom Counseling
The licensed school counselor provides classroom counseling lessons to all students across grade levels throughout the school year. These lessons—delivered in the regular classroom setting—are designed to help students build awareness of themselves, others, and the world around them. Guided by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success, classroom counseling supports students’ academic, social/emotional, and career development through a planned, developmentally appropriate curriculum.

Specific topics vary by grade level and may include, but are not limited to:

• understanding self and others

• coping strategies, relaxation skills, and stress management

• peer relationships and effective social skills

• personal safety and sexual abuse prevention education (Erin’s Law)

• communication, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, and study skills

• career awareness and the world of work

• substance abuse awareness education

• multicultural awareness and respect for diversity

Group Counseling
The licensed school counselor also facilitates small group counseling sessions designed to support students in key developmental areas such as friendship and relationship skills, emotional regulation, anger management, academic habits, problem-solving, self-confidence, and personal adjustment. Groups may also address family-related concerns such as separation, divorce, grief, and loss. Additional group topics may be offered throughout the year; families are encouraged to contact the school counselor if a specific need arises.

Students may be referred to group counseling by parents, teachers, administrators, or paraprofessionals, and students may also self-refer. If a student is referred by someone other than their parent/guardian, and participation is appropriate, the parent/guardian will be contacted for permission before group sessions begin.


Individual Counseling
The licensed school counselor meets individually with students to help them express concerns, build coping and interpersonal skills, and support their academic, personal, and social development. Parents may request individual brief counseling for their child by contacting the licensed elementary school counselor at troth@morris.k12.mn.us. Students may also self-refer, and school professionals may submit referrals for brief, solution-focused sessions.

If a student has been referred by someone other than their parent/guardian and ongoing counseling support is recommended, the parent/guardian will be contacted for consent prior to continued services.


Animal-Assisted Activities
The elementary school counseling program also incorporates Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) as an enrichment-based intervention to support students’ social/emotional well-being. Animal-Assisted Activities are designed to enhance motivation, reduce stress, and promote positive social interaction in a safe and structured environment. These activities align with ASCA’s emphasis on creating supportive, student-centered learning environments that foster engagement and emotional regulation.

The licensed school counselor is part of two registered and certified therapy dog teams.  The licensed school counselor is the handler for the therapy dogs, Hank and Bakster.

Both Hank and Bakster are certified/registered therapy dogs.  They are also R.E.A.D.® (Reading Education Assistance Dogs), which means they are trained to support students in developing reading confidence and fluency through calm, nonjudgmental reading interactions.


Consultation With Others
The licensed school counselor collaborates regularly with teachers, parents, administrators, and community partners to support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. Consultation is an essential component of a comprehensive school counseling program and aligns with the ASCA National Model which emphasizes teamwork, advocacy, and student-centered problem-solving.

Consultation With Teachers
The licensed school counselor consults with teachers to evaluate student behaviors, discuss individual needs, and support strategies that enhance students’ overall development. These conversations aim to strengthen classroom success, foster positive behavior, and promote a supportive learning environment.

Consultation With Parents/Guardians
The licensed school counselor partners with parents/guardians to promote effective parenting skills, address concerns that may impact a child’s well-being, and follow up on academic or behavioral challenges. Parents/guardians are encouraged to reach out by phone or email at any time. Meetings can be scheduled to discuss questions, concerns, or observations about their child.

The licensed school counselor also maintains a small Parent Resource Library with materials on a wide range of academic, developmental, and social/emotional topics. If families are interested in learning more about a particular subject, the counselor is happy to share resources or help locate additional information.

Consultation With Administrators
The licensed school counselor collaborates closely with the building administrator to help create an effective and positive learning atmosphere. Throughout the school year, the counselor and administrator review student needs and counseling program priorities to ensure services are aligned with the ASCA National Model, the ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success, and best practices


Coordination of Services
The licensed school counselor coordinates and participates in site-based, multidisciplinary teams that support student achievement and help identify individual learning needs. Collaboration may involve teachers, specialists, administrators, and other staff members who are involved in planning interventions and supports.

The licensed school counselor also works with community agencies to facilitate appropriate referrals, coordinate services, and ensure continuity of care when students and families access outside support.

When helpful, the licensed school counselor can assist in arranging and coordinating conferences between parents, teachers, and/or students. The licensed school counselor may also participate in these meetings to provide insight or support, based on the preferences of the parent and teacher.

Referrals
When additional support is needed, the licensed school counselor assists parents and teachers in identifying appropriate local professionals, support groups, or community resources that may benefit the student. Referrals are made with care, ensuring that families are connected with services that align with their needs and goals.

In alignment with responsive services recommended by the ASCA National Model, the licensed school counselor implements support through:

• individual counseling,

• small group counseling, and

• consultation

to help address students’ immediate concerns and promote ongoing well-being.