When should you seek counseling?
There are times when we all need a little help with situations that may overwhelm us or cause emotional stress. Counselors provide caring, expert assistance during these times. We help to identify stressors in your life & assist in finding the best ways to cope by finding constructive ways to deal with a situation beyond your control. Remember, for many issues, there are no quick fixes- they take time, work, & often parent support.
My family is going through a transition & I'm concerned about my child.
If your family is experiencing a transition (moving, changing schools, family additions, divorce), you may see some changes in the behavior of your child. This is absolutely normal! Children adjust to transitions very differently depending on the child/situation. Providing stability & routine in your child's life is important, in addition to a nurturing & supportive environment. I'm happy to consult with parents & discuss the possibility of my help with counseling services if needed or outside resources.
How can I talk to my child about bullying?
There is a very specific & complicated definition for bullying. Often times it it is students teasing or being mean. If you feel your child is having a difficult time with peers, speak to your child's classroom teacher as soon as possible. You can also offer suggestions to your child such as ignoring, walking away, telling them to stop, using an "I" message, going to a trusted adult (which is not tattling; this is requesting assistance with a serious problem). I am also available to offer further assistance if the problem persists. We work with Welcoming Schools, Anti-Defamation League & Josh Stevens Foundation to promote the importance of kindness & respect for all.
Can a school counselor provide individual counseling?
I cannot be a student's individual therapist – this is beyond the scope of my role. If I am in my office doing individual therapy with students all day, I cannot provide what is needed for 100% of students. I can see students on a 1-1 basis up to two times & as well as checking in/out with students informally on a regular basis. If further help is needed I can recommend outside counselors or therapists.
How long does counseling take?
Counseling is terminated when the problem that you pursued counseling for becomes resolved or more manageable. In schools, students usually see a counselor for 6-12 sessions then are referred to community or private agencies to continue services if the problem is not rectified.
What do you do all day?
Each day is different, which is one thing I love about being a school counselor. My day can go from checking in with a student to get his day started off well, to mediating a conflict between two on-again, off-again friends, to listening to a parent report that their child is refusing to come to school. Counselors wear many ‘hats’! It is an extremely rewarding profession that I am very grateful to be apart.
Are parents notified when a student visits the counselor?
Parent notification depends on the purpose of the student’s visit. Parents are notified & give permission for students to participate in support groups that meet regularly. For brief behavioral support & quick care meetings, parents are typically not alerted. However, issues can arise during these meetings that may merit parental notification.
Your job must be so stressful & sad. I couldn’t do it.
It can be stressful, but I try to use that energy & channel it for good use. It can be sad as well & difficult not to keep that negative energy with me. In addition, I sometimes have to make incredibly difficult decisions. It is also a learning experience for me every day & truly humbling. To see the success & growth of students is amazing. I’m so so thankful that I get to do this type of work, be a part of something that matters, & help make positive change.
Are counselors all about mushy feelings?
There may be some school counselors who are mushy gushy, but I’m not one of them. I do teach though about feelings, but this makes me a teacher of social-emotional skills that are crucial for your child’s development into a healthy, functioning adult.
Is information shared with the counselor also shared with teachers?
Personal information shared with the counselor is not necessarily shared with the classroom teacher unless permission to share the information is granted by the student or the parent. It really depends on the situation. We are all like puzzle pieces though- working together to support your child!
Are you an expert on behavior & emotional problems in children?
I’m not an expert. I’m educated in child development, including behaviors & emotions that fall within the ‘norm’ for children of various ages. I also know though, that kids are different & develop/learn when they’re ready. I try not to compare your child to another & just enjoy these students while they're still young & are going through this amazing learning process!
How is confidentiality handled?
All student information is kept in confidence in accordance to educational code. Disclosures of abuse &/or imminent danger to self or others are reported to the appropriate agency in accordance with the law. Situations jeopardizing student safety including incidents of abuse, imminent danger of self or others, bullying & sexual harassment are also reported to my administrators in accordance with school policy.
How does playing games with kids help them? It’s just playing. They can do that with friends or at home.
Playing is the work of childhood. It’s how children learn, explore, try new things, overcome fears, fantasize, etc. I am educated in play therapy techniques that I use with kids when they visit me. I also use games during group time as a way to teach & practice key social skills such as listening, sharing, taking turns, compromising, being patient, being a good sport, & more. Kids love to play, so I capitalize on that & use it to help them!
There are times when we all need a little help with situations that may overwhelm us or cause emotional stress. Counselors provide caring, expert assistance during these times. We help to identify stressors in your life & assist in finding the best ways to cope by finding constructive ways to deal with a situation beyond your control. Remember, for many issues, there are no quick fixes- they take time, work, & often parent support.
My family is going through a transition & I'm concerned about my child.
If your family is experiencing a transition (moving, changing schools, family additions, divorce), you may see some changes in the behavior of your child. This is absolutely normal! Children adjust to transitions very differently depending on the child/situation. Providing stability & routine in your child's life is important, in addition to a nurturing & supportive environment. I'm happy to consult with parents & discuss the possibility of my help with counseling services if needed or outside resources.
How can I talk to my child about bullying?
There is a very specific & complicated definition for bullying. Often times it it is students teasing or being mean. If you feel your child is having a difficult time with peers, speak to your child's classroom teacher as soon as possible. You can also offer suggestions to your child such as ignoring, walking away, telling them to stop, using an "I" message, going to a trusted adult (which is not tattling; this is requesting assistance with a serious problem). I am also available to offer further assistance if the problem persists. We work with Welcoming Schools, Anti-Defamation League & Josh Stevens Foundation to promote the importance of kindness & respect for all.
Can a school counselor provide individual counseling?
I cannot be a student's individual therapist – this is beyond the scope of my role. If I am in my office doing individual therapy with students all day, I cannot provide what is needed for 100% of students. I can see students on a 1-1 basis up to two times & as well as checking in/out with students informally on a regular basis. If further help is needed I can recommend outside counselors or therapists.
How long does counseling take?
Counseling is terminated when the problem that you pursued counseling for becomes resolved or more manageable. In schools, students usually see a counselor for 6-12 sessions then are referred to community or private agencies to continue services if the problem is not rectified.
What do you do all day?
Each day is different, which is one thing I love about being a school counselor. My day can go from checking in with a student to get his day started off well, to mediating a conflict between two on-again, off-again friends, to listening to a parent report that their child is refusing to come to school. Counselors wear many ‘hats’! It is an extremely rewarding profession that I am very grateful to be apart.
Are parents notified when a student visits the counselor?
Parent notification depends on the purpose of the student’s visit. Parents are notified & give permission for students to participate in support groups that meet regularly. For brief behavioral support & quick care meetings, parents are typically not alerted. However, issues can arise during these meetings that may merit parental notification.
Your job must be so stressful & sad. I couldn’t do it.
It can be stressful, but I try to use that energy & channel it for good use. It can be sad as well & difficult not to keep that negative energy with me. In addition, I sometimes have to make incredibly difficult decisions. It is also a learning experience for me every day & truly humbling. To see the success & growth of students is amazing. I’m so so thankful that I get to do this type of work, be a part of something that matters, & help make positive change.
Are counselors all about mushy feelings?
There may be some school counselors who are mushy gushy, but I’m not one of them. I do teach though about feelings, but this makes me a teacher of social-emotional skills that are crucial for your child’s development into a healthy, functioning adult.
Is information shared with the counselor also shared with teachers?
Personal information shared with the counselor is not necessarily shared with the classroom teacher unless permission to share the information is granted by the student or the parent. It really depends on the situation. We are all like puzzle pieces though- working together to support your child!
Are you an expert on behavior & emotional problems in children?
I’m not an expert. I’m educated in child development, including behaviors & emotions that fall within the ‘norm’ for children of various ages. I also know though, that kids are different & develop/learn when they’re ready. I try not to compare your child to another & just enjoy these students while they're still young & are going through this amazing learning process!
How is confidentiality handled?
All student information is kept in confidence in accordance to educational code. Disclosures of abuse &/or imminent danger to self or others are reported to the appropriate agency in accordance with the law. Situations jeopardizing student safety including incidents of abuse, imminent danger of self or others, bullying & sexual harassment are also reported to my administrators in accordance with school policy.
How does playing games with kids help them? It’s just playing. They can do that with friends or at home.
Playing is the work of childhood. It’s how children learn, explore, try new things, overcome fears, fantasize, etc. I am educated in play therapy techniques that I use with kids when they visit me. I also use games during group time as a way to teach & practice key social skills such as listening, sharing, taking turns, compromising, being patient, being a good sport, & more. Kids love to play, so I capitalize on that & use it to help them!