School Counseling: What It Is and What It Is Not
School counselors work with students on a range of issues from school work to classroom behavioral concerns to social relationships such as navigating friendships and bullying to emotional hurdles that make focusing on school challenging. It is appropriate for a school counselor to work with a child if something is going on in their life that is directly affecting their schoolwork or experience on campus. School counseling is not the same as child therapy, social work, or school psychological services. CLICK HERE to read more about the differences.
School counseling is built on a wellness model of mental health. Most issues facing children and young adults are developmental in nature; having a school counselor who understands normal human growth and development is paramount to designing interventions that promote wellness. The goal of counseling is ultimately to empower each student to identify and successfully resolve problems autonomously as they grow into adults.
School counselors work with students on a range of issues from school work to classroom behavioral concerns to social relationships such as navigating friendships and bullying to emotional hurdles that make focusing on school challenging. It is appropriate for a school counselor to work with a child if something is going on in their life that is directly affecting their schoolwork or experience on campus. School counseling is not the same as child therapy, social work, or school psychological services. CLICK HERE to read more about the differences.
School counseling is built on a wellness model of mental health. Most issues facing children and young adults are developmental in nature; having a school counselor who understands normal human growth and development is paramount to designing interventions that promote wellness. The goal of counseling is ultimately to empower each student to identify and successfully resolve problems autonomously as they grow into adults.
My Philosophy
My background in theater and performance arts has prepared me to use creative strategies when working with children. I am warm, engaging and energetic and build rapport quickly with children. I believe that discovering each child's individual strengths and goals is critical to helping them be successful. Counseling interventions look different depending on the developmental age of the child. While younger children express emotions and thinking through the creation or art and dramatic play; older children and teens benefit from more traditional counseling practices. I tailor activities to each individual child's strengths, interests and ability level.
Solution Focused Brief Counseling
I practice solution focused brief counseling, which is exactly what it sounds like! I help children identify their personal goals, discover their strengths, and shift attention away from problems and towards solutions. Click here to visit the Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy which outlines key concepts and tools. |
The Foundations of Caring
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Groups
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