Counselors provide solution-focused counseling for students whose emotional regulation, behaviors or current circumstances affect their ability to access the school curriculum. Some examples of this may include:
"Solution-focused" means that we are looking for short term ways to help a child, rather than asking "why" or trying to delve into a long study of their history. For example, a student with school phobia might work on a specific calming strategy.
Based on need, some students meet with me individually, some in a group setting, and others just as needed for consultations about a specific issue. Typical weekly sessions last from 15-30 minutes.
Mrs. McNally serves as the 504 Case Manager for Swasey Central School as well. Please call or email for any questions regarding 504 plans.
Mrs. McNally also provides classroom guidance lessons K-5 using the Second Step curriculum to create and maintain a positive school community at Swasey. Lesson topics include: empathy, how to make and keep friends, emotional regulation, standing up for others, and being true to yourself.
How is school-based counseling different than Psychotherapy?
"Generally speaking, counseling is a short-term service delivered to individuals or groups to increase their adaptive functioning. Therefore, school-based professionals most often focus on helping student clients function more effectively in the classroom and with their peers. Counseling is also considered to be a helping process that is delivered to individuals who are basically healthy but require support to address a variety of developmental or situational difficulties. The school-based professional can play an important role by providing the family with referrals to local therapists (if the student does not already have one), by staying in close contact with the therapist, by reinforcing the student’s use of newly learned coping strategies, and by consulting with the student’s teachers as appropriate."
A school psychologist evaluates and tests student performance to determine the need for special education services or other support. School psychologists also assist parents and staff in understanding a child's unique learning style.
The school psychologist may also provide counseling for children with moderate to severe emotional needs. The school psychologist and guidance counselor work closely to improve the social/emotional competencies on Open Circle, Crisis Intervention, Child Study Team, Coordinating Programming with outside agencies, and meeting the needs of all students during their school day.
How is a School Psychologist different than a Psychiatrist?
School Psychologists provide a comprehensive evaluation looking at a students cognitive functioning, academic skills, executive functioning, and sometimes social/emotional abilities. School Psychologists cannot diagnose a student as having a specific disability, they may simply present their findings and then a doctor may use this information to make a formal diagnosis if necessary. School Psychologists also do not prescribe medication.