Individual Counseling

What is Individual Counseling in School?

Individual counseling is a responsive service that meets the student's immediate needs and concerns.

Individual counseling is offered throughout the school year to students in a confidential setting. 

Individual counseling can help students achieve short-term goals, such as adjusting to school, managing stress, developing social skills, and dealing with overwhelming emotions.  

How Can My Son or Daughter Receive Individual Counseling Services?

Students may request counseling by clicking the school counselor button in their wildcat window on the Chrome book and completing the Google form. 

A child's parent or guardian, a teacher, or an administrator may also refer a student to meet with the counselor. 

School counseling is goal-oriented and short-term in nature. Depending on the concern, various techniques are used, including active listening, artwork, modeling, board games, and role-play. 

If a student would benefit from ongoing therapy, the school counselor will facilitate a referral to an outside mental health provider.

Here are some things to know about individual counseling for students: 

• Students and their counselors work together to set goals and determine how many sessions are needed. 

• School sessions are typically 30–45 minutes long but may be shorter. Depending on the need, they can be weekly or bi-weekly. 

• If a counselor determines that a student's issue is beyond their expertise, they may refer the student to other support staff or professionals. 

• Counselors may collaborate with other adults in a student's life, even if they aren't in the sessions. 

• Counselors may use activities like a personal coat of arms or color my life to help students get to know each other. 

• Counselors may use reusable templates, such as decision maps, to help students break down decisions that lead to adverse outcomes.