Counselling at SIS
What is counselling?
Life is full of challenges. Counselling is a chance for you to talk about challenges with a kind and supportive adult in school.
A counsellor is someone who can listen, understand you, and support you.
Did you know that students of all year groups, genders and backgrounds use the counselling services at SIS?
Talking to a counsellor is a good option for students who do not feel like talking to a teacher.
What does a counsellor or school social worker do?
A counsellor or school social worker is someone who will:
be kind and supportive towards you
listen to you in a neutral and non-judgmental manner
explore your strengths and how you can use these strengths to navigate challenges in your life
respect your values, lifestyle and culture
collaborate with you
A counsellor or school social worker is someone who is trained in how to listen and how to help people. They will show empathy, do not make judgments, and are here to support you.
Who are the counsellors at SIS?
At SIS, we have four, friendly and professionally trained counsellors: Our School Counsellors Ms. Kate Tse and Ms Lorna Wong and our School Social Workers Ms. Kamy Yeung and Ms. Stephanie Wan. They offer supportive, non-judgmental and confidential support to any student who wants help with difficulties they may be experiencing. Learn more about them HERE
From the left: Ms Purves, Ms Tse, Ms Yeung, Ms Wan, Ms Wong.
What topics can I talk to a counsellor about?
You can talk to a counsellor about any personal challenge you are facing. It does not have to be about school.
Many students are stressed about school. Stress is something every person will experience from time to time, and a bit of stress can be healthy. However, sometimes students notice that their stress is becoming overwhelming. In times like these, students may find it helpful to talk to one of our counsellors, so they can discover and practice helpful coping strategies.
Other students try counselling because they want to learn how to handle other challenges. These challenges may be related to friendships, classmates, family, online safety, or other issues.
Common topics that students at SIS explore in counselling:
difficulties concentrating or staying motivated in school
feeling down and insecure
challenges with family, or difficult changes at home (for example, divorce)
concerns about friends or relationships
tiredness and/or problems with sleep
feeling worried, overwhelmed, stress or very anxious
how to stay safe online
questions about identity
How might counselling help me?
Counselling can help you to:
Learn more about yourself
Discover new solutions to your challenges
Develop and practice healthy coping strategies
Strengthen useful life skills (social skills, study skills)
Build your resilience
Recognize and manage your emotions
Learn how to solve your problems more effectively
Make positive changes in your life
How do I contact one of the counsellors?
There are several ways you can book a session with our counsellors:
Speak with your Tutor, Head of Year, or Ms. Lucie Purves (Vice-Principal), who will help you to book a session
Email one of counsellors directly (click to see their email addresses)
Drop by one of our counsellors' office during their normal school hours
Ask a parent to help you. They can contact your Tutor, Head of Year, one of our counsellors, or Ms. Purves and say that you want to try counselling.
Ask a friend to help you. They can contact your Tutor, Head of Year, one of our counsellors, or Ms. Purves and say that you want to try counselling.