Together with parents and teachers, our goal is to assist all students to respond to educational, and social and emotional needs. Children’s lives are constantly changing and their lives are impacted by challenges and obstacles that their families face as well as the current societal issues. These adverse experiences may cause children to be in emotional distress or have difficulty achieving their academic potential. It is my hope and intention to provide assistance and support to all students and to enhance their lives in a positive way.
As a School Counselor I will meet with students individually focusing on solution-focused and strenghts based interventions. The sessions with the School Counselor are limited and are not the equivalent to outside counseling/theraphy. Referrals to outside providers to address more in-depth therapy are available.
The Counseling and Guidance program is preventative and proactive in its focus and is based upon the developmental stages of students in grade K-5.
Since students needs vary at different age levels, the areas of emphasis will vary accordingly. The program builds a foundation for learning in the areas of academic, personal/social, and career development through Classroom Guidance, Small Groups, Individual Counseling, and Collaboration and Consultation.
Classrooms are visited periodically throughout the year. Topics include development of self esteem, effective communication skills, emotion management, problem solving/decision making, coping skills, and our state mandated anti bullying and personal safety lessons. If you have questions on what is taught in the classroom, feel free to call or stop by the counseling office.
Small group counseling consists of students who share similar issues and concerns. They work together and learn from each other in a small group consisting of about 4-6 peers. Group sessions are 30 minutes, once a week for 4-6 weeks. Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include: social skills, friendship, emotion management, study skills/organization, conflict resolution, and coping skills (divorce/changing families). Referrals for small groups can be made by teachers, staff, and parents by contacting the School Counselor.
Individual counseling is offered for students to discuss issues in a safe, positive, and confidential setting. Individual counseling services are intended to be short term, but referrals to community resources can be made for concerns that may require ongoing services. Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include: feelings, changing families, friendship, stress, academics, social skills, bullying, loss, trauma, problem-solving, and decision-making. Requests for individual counseling can be made by students, teachers or parents. Individual counseling at schools is not equivalent to in-depth theraphy.
Link to Counselor Referral Form