FAQ's
What exactly does an elementary school counselor do?
My services are available to ALL students. It is my job to make sure that students are happy and doing their best at school. Many factors go into kids doing well – their ability to focus and pay attention, their relationships with peers and teachers, how well they can manage their feelings and impulses, and their lives outside of school. We address these issues using individual or small group counseling, as well as classroom guidance lessons and even school-wide programs. I ask kids to think of us as a coaches who help them solve their problems.
How are you different from a therapist at an outside agency?
I frequently see children just once or twice, or in the classroom setting rather than our offices. I offer small group counseling to students who need additional support with social skills, self-regulation, anxiety, etc. Although I often help children with family problems and behavior at home, my primary role is to deal with school-related problems. Sometimes an issue is better addressed more intensely in a therapeutic setting and I can help finding resources for therapy.
How do students visit you?
Students visit with the school counselor in a variety of ways. Usually it’s by recommendation of the classroom teacher and/or the parent. Often, children will approach the counselor themselves and ask if they can eat lunch with me or schedule an appointment. Students may also ask their teacher or someone in the office to see the school counselor, or fill out a referral form.
Will you notify me if you see my child?
Children frequently pop in to tell the school counselor about relatively minor or time-limited issues like an argument with a peer. If that happens, I may not notify you unless: a) there is a safety concern, b) your child has asked to see me repeatedly, or c) if the worry or problem is significant (by adult standards). I will always notify you if we believe your student would benefit from small group counseling or additional behavior support.
My services are available to ALL students. It is my job to make sure that students are happy and doing their best at school. Many factors go into kids doing well – their ability to focus and pay attention, their relationships with peers and teachers, how well they can manage their feelings and impulses, and their lives outside of school. We address these issues using individual or small group counseling, as well as classroom guidance lessons and even school-wide programs. I ask kids to think of us as a coaches who help them solve their problems.
How are you different from a therapist at an outside agency?
I frequently see children just once or twice, or in the classroom setting rather than our offices. I offer small group counseling to students who need additional support with social skills, self-regulation, anxiety, etc. Although I often help children with family problems and behavior at home, my primary role is to deal with school-related problems. Sometimes an issue is better addressed more intensely in a therapeutic setting and I can help finding resources for therapy.
How do students visit you?
Students visit with the school counselor in a variety of ways. Usually it’s by recommendation of the classroom teacher and/or the parent. Often, children will approach the counselor themselves and ask if they can eat lunch with me or schedule an appointment. Students may also ask their teacher or someone in the office to see the school counselor, or fill out a referral form.
Will you notify me if you see my child?
Children frequently pop in to tell the school counselor about relatively minor or time-limited issues like an argument with a peer. If that happens, I may not notify you unless: a) there is a safety concern, b) your child has asked to see me repeatedly, or c) if the worry or problem is significant (by adult standards). I will always notify you if we believe your student would benefit from small group counseling or additional behavior support.