Individual Counseling
As it is difficult to learn when other worries and concerns are on students' minds, short-term individual counseling is available to ALL students in need at the request of the student, parent, or staff member. There is a mailbox outside my office door for students and teachers to place referral slips, and students are educated about the referral process during the September guidance lesson. Parents may refer a student by phone, e-mail, or in person. While students may see me at any time for brief discussions, parental permission is required prior to a series of planned sessions. All counseling interactions are confidential and will not be documented in the student's permanent school record. I strive to earn students' trust by letting them know "What's said in here stays in here;" however, in the case of a reoccurring issue or more serious concern I will communicate the pertinent information to the parent/guardian. Through individual counseling, students are able to express concerns in a safe environment where problem solving can then take place.
Individual Counseling Parameters:
While individual counseling is an integral part of every school counseling program, parents should understand and be informed that it is not the role of a school counselor to act as intensive, long-term therapist. School counselors practicing in such a way would be performing unethical practices and it would take away from their ability to meet the needs of the entire student body. If a parent requests sessions of a weekly, structured, scheduled, manner; these sessions will be limited to no more than 4 sessions, after which the parents can use their discretion and decide whether they want to explore counseling services outside of the school at their own expense. I am happy to provide a list of local resources that offer counseling, many on a free-to-sliding scale.
Individual Counseling Parameters:
While individual counseling is an integral part of every school counseling program, parents should understand and be informed that it is not the role of a school counselor to act as intensive, long-term therapist. School counselors practicing in such a way would be performing unethical practices and it would take away from their ability to meet the needs of the entire student body. If a parent requests sessions of a weekly, structured, scheduled, manner; these sessions will be limited to no more than 4 sessions, after which the parents can use their discretion and decide whether they want to explore counseling services outside of the school at their own expense. I am happy to provide a list of local resources that offer counseling, many on a free-to-sliding scale.