Individual counseling in middle school provides students with a safe, confidential space to explore personal challenges, build coping skills, and receive support during a stage of emotional and social development. Individual counseling in the school setting is intended to be brief. Students are typically not seen by the counselor for more than five sessions.
Purpose and Goals
The goal of individual counseling is to:
Help students navigate personal issues (e.g., anxiety, stress, grief, self-esteem, de-escalation).
How to regulate their emotions and support healthy decision-making.
Promote positive peer relationships and conflict resolution.
Enhance academic focus and motivation.
Communication with families when there are mental health concerns.
Referral Process
Students may be referred to individual counseling by:
Teachers or school staff noticing behavioral or emotional changes.
Parents or guardians with concerns.
The students themselves requesting to speak with a counselor.
What Happens in Sessions
Individual counseling sessions typically take place within the counseling office. Sessions may include:
Open dialogue: A chance for students to talk about what’s bothering them.
Goal-setting: Working together to set small, achievable personal goals.
Skill-building: Teaching coping strategies, emotional regulation techniques, and problem-solving skills.
Creative expression: Some students may benefit from drawing, or journaling to express themselves.
Check-ins: Counselors may periodically follow up to monitor progress and adjust support as needed or observe in a classroom setting.
Sessions are confidential, unless the student tells me that they are hurting themselves,
hurting others or someone is hurting them or that I can share the information with a trusted adult.