Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Counseling

When can I meet with my student's counselor? 

Student meetings are based on counselor availability during the school day. Parent/guardian meetings typically take place before school (7:45am-8:15am) or after school (3:00pm-4:00pm) to not interrupt counseling services to students during their school day. When appropriate, students are welcome to join meetings taking place about them. You can request a meeting with Mr. Sandstrom using the form provided on this link.

What are some reasons to see a counselor?

There are many different reasons to see a counselor.  However, a student would connect with a school counselor if they need support with academic, social/emotional or college/career related topics. Topics that are frequently addressed in counseling sessions include managing big emotions, navigating friendship changes or conflicts, improving executive functioning skills, experiences at home or with family, life transitions, anxiety and coping strategies and more. 

What happens during a counseling session? 

School counselors are not therapists. I provide short-term, solution focused interventions for students for social/emotional, academic and college/career needs. If your student is receiving counseling services, the school counselor will meet with your student 1 time per week for 20-30 minutes. During a session, students will be given time to share what is happening in their life, will learn or practice a skill related to their need, and will make a plan for "homework"/ways to use the skill in real life. The school counselor will provide resources for your student and family and will connect with parents/guardians about the counseling plan. 

What does “confidentiality” mean as it relates to a counseling session?

In a counseling session, confidentiality means that anything said in the session “stays in the session." We communicate to students that, "What you say in here, stays in here." Students can elect to have information in a session shared with others (i.e. parents/teachers) by giving verbal consent. School counselors are bound by confidentiality unless a student reveals they are hurting themselves, someone is hurting them or they want to hurt another person. In cases where confidentiality is "broken," a counselor may need to share the information with other staff, administrators, parents or other community resources (police, CPS, social workers, etc.). 

When can students see a counselor?

Mr. Sandstrom has an “open door” counseling policy at Park Village.  This means that if a student walks up to the counseling office during their recess or break and Mr. Sandstrom is available, then he will be more than happy to meet with the student at that time. A student can meet with their school counselor before school, after school, or during recess. If a student is experiencing a crisis and needs to speak to the counselor, there are counseling request slips available in each classroom and the student can communicate with their teacher to fill out a slip so that the school counselor can meet with them at their soonest availability. 

I am a student. How can I schedule a meeting with my counselor? 

To schedule a meeting with the school counselor, a student needs to fill out the "I would like to see the counselor" slip available in every classroom from your teacher. The next time the counselor is available, he will meet with the student. Students are also able to check the sign posted on the counselor's office during their recess to see if there is availability to talk during that time.

I am concerned about my student (academically/behaviorally/emotionally). What steps should I take? 

Student concerns can be shared with classroom teachers, counselors or administrators. At Park Village Elementary, we collaborate with parents to make a plan to best support your student. This plan typically follows the process of meeting and discussing concerns, creating an intervention plan with the teacher/counselor/parent, and having a follow up meeting to check the progress of the intervention. Students at Park Village Elementary may be supported through RTI (response to intervention), a 504 plan or an IEP .