The purpose of this statement is to discuss my role as the high school counselor. In our district, I am one of three certified school counselors professionally trained to deliver our PreK-12 Comprehensive School Counseling and Guidance Program to all students in our district. I hope this information will give you a better understanding of the services I can provide to both high school students and their families. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
In our district the counselors promote and enhance student learning through interrelated domains of student development. These domains of student development are:
• Personal/Social
• Career, and
• Academic
School Counseling Program Philosophy “The Solon Community School District Counseling Program provides sequential and prevention-focused services to all students. The proactive program anticipates academic, career, personal, and social needs as well as provides instructive and responsive services. The program is built upon a framework of PreK-12 standards, benchmarks, supporting lessons as well as developmentally appropriate services. Comprehensive counseling is an integral part of the total school experience promoting life-long learning for all students with the primary goal of helping students help themselves.” Counseling Approaches and Background "How are you treating the world today?" I use an approach called Perceptual Control Theory (PCT). PCT is a scientific theory of motivation and behavior. I incorporate PCT techniques to help students realize they have the ability to manage their lives in order to meet their academic, career, personal and social needs. As an advocate for every student, I believe that each student can effectively meet his/her needs at Solon High School. Appointments I am available to work with students, parents, and staff during the school day, as well as before school or after school by appointment. Individuals can make appointments with me. If you need to see me right away, you can walk in for service and wait until I am available. I am also available by appointment to accommodate the schedules of working parents or students who wish to see a counselor outside of school hours. Delivery Systems I offer individual counseling, small group and large group counseling, as well as classroom guidance activities related to the various domains: academic, career, personal and social. I also consult with parents, teachers, and other professionals in order to provide referrals and beneficial services to all students. Confidentiality Information shared with the school counselor is confidential. This means that, except in certain circumstances, the school counselors will not tell other individuals what you share with them. There are a certain limits when I may need to share information with someone else.
Limits to confidentiality:
1. “Potential harm to self”. If I believe that you are in danger of hurting yourself, or if you are in danger of being hurt by someone else.
2. “Potential harm to others”. If I believe that you are in danger of hurting someone else, or if you are in danger of being hurt by someone else.
3. "Suspected Child Abuse“. As an employee of the district, I am a Mandatory Reporter. Thus, if I have a reasonable belief that a child under the age of 18 has been abused by a person responsible for the care of the child, I will immediately report the suspected abuse to the proper authorities. It is also the policy of the Solon Community School district that reports of child abuse remain confidential as required by law. "
4. If a court judge orders me to tell others.
5. If you give me permission to consult with someone else in order to provide better service.
American School Counseling Association (ASCA) Virtual School Counseling Ethics (Updated March 25, 2020)