What is School Counseling?

ASCA-What is a School Counselor?

What is a School Counselor?

I am a certified, trained, and caring professional who works with all students, parents, teachers, staff and the community, in order for every student to achieve academic and social success. School Counseling services are delivered in four specific ways:

Classroom Counseling Curriculum- designing ,structuring, and delivering classroom lessons so that students develop specific outcome-driven competencies in all grades K-5 (personal/social, academic, career)and driven by the needs of the school population

Individual Student Planning- assisting students with goal formation/planning (behavioral, academic, etc.)

Responsive Services- meeting immediate student needs (counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, referral, peer mediation, information-providing)

System Support- schoolwide program planning and implementation (PBIS, MTSS, etc.), consulting with other professionals, coordination of various supports for students and families

How does your child experience school counseling services?

Individual Counseling- I may work with a student in a safe, positive, and confidential setting to address issues that 'get in the way' of' school achievement. Topics are based on the needs of the student and may include: understanding feelings, changing families/divorce, grief, stress, social skills, academics, bullying, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Small Group Counseling- A process where students sharing similar issues or concerns work together in a small group environment consisting of about 3-6 peers. The group sessions usually last about 30 minutes and are held for approximately 6-8 weeks. Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include divorce or changing families, grief and loss, friendship and social skills, study skills, conflict resolution, anger management, self-esteem, and stress-management.

Classroom Counseling lessons- I develop and implement K-5 classroom curriculum driven by national and state school counseling guidelines. Classroom lessons are regularly scheduled and address personal, social, academic, and career-related needs at the child's developmental level.  Topics may include self-esteem, conflict resolution, study skills, anger management, career awareness, tattling/reporting, friendship/social skills, responsibility, respect, teasing/bullying, feelings, cooperation, goal setting/decision-making, and peer pressure.