Here are some of the things that a professional school counselor does:
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Work with individuals and groups
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Help identify needs of students (personal/social, academic, and career)
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Encourage better interpersonal relationships
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Promote positive attitudes and choices
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Assist teachers and parents/guardians in helping students
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Assist people in making use of community resources and coordinate referrals to outside agencies
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Assist students with the process of growing up
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Develop and deliver in classroom guidance lessons
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Provide preventative services
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Maintain confidentiality
What are some reasons that a student might see the school counselor?
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"I'm getting picked on when riding the bus and I don't know what to do about it."
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"My best friend isn't talking to me and it's making me feel really sad."
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"I just want to talk to someone who won't laugh at me."
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"I had a problem at recess with my friends and we need help to work it out."
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"I get really angry when I play with my friends at recess or when I work with them in the classroom. Can you help me find ways to deal with this?"
How does your child experience school counseling?
Individual Counseling- The school counselor works 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, self-control, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Small Group Counseling- A process where students sharing similar issues or concerns work together in a small group environment with peers. 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- The School Counselor develops and implements PK-6 classroom curriculum driven by national school counseling outcomes. 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, time management, goal setting/decision-making, and organizational skills.
Gehlen Catholic Elementary Counseling
712-546-4181, Ext 241