Meet Your School Counselor

About Woody Belt

Woody Belt joined Gertrude Chamberlin School in the fall of 2023 after being the school counselor for over 10 years at Johnson Elementary and other schools. Prior to entering into the field of school counseling, Woody spent time using wilderness and outdoor adventures to help youth learn about self and others through experiential methods. He also worked on a ship and circumnavigated the world three times while helping college students and those 18 and younger, process and understand their experiences in different cultures. Woody along with his partner and son love exploring many outdoor activities and travel.

Woody’s techniques and therapeutic approach is primarily non-directive (child centered) and, at times, directive (Adlerian) or CBT (Cognitive Behavioral). He believes students benefit the most from the understanding of how behaviors and feelings are connected and helps students learn coping skills through mindfulness exercises and self-talk. Techniques used depend on the student and specific goals.

The adventure education and therapeutic wilderness experiences have caused Woody to pursue becoming a School Based Registered Play Therapist. In 2018, he gained that credential and is one of the very few with the SB-RPT in Vermont. At this time he is no longer credentialed, however still utilizes his learning/experience (Click here for more about Play Therapy)

It is the relationships Woody has with students that help support all students in their social and emotional growth while attending GCS. Helping a student grow is not the responsibility of just one person or a person’s title (teacher, guardian, counselor, etc.,) it belongs to all of us, the village. Through strong relationships with school staff, guardians, area therapists, social workers, agencies and organizations Woody provides supports for families and ultimately provide students the opportunities they need to grow.