What is the role of the School Counselor?

What is the Elementary School Counseling Program?

     The elementary school counseling program is a part of the total school program and complements learning in the classroom.  Our program is child-centered, preventive, and developmentally focused. The program encourages students' social, emotional, and personal growth at each stage of their development. The purpose of counseling with students, parents, and teachers is to help students maximize their potential.

     The school counselor helps students become motivated learners and encourages them to discuss concerns with their parents. When students work though their social and emotional issues, with the help of their parents and counselor, they are able to devote attention and energy to the intellectual tasks at school.

     The elementary school counselor also conducts guidance lessons; consults with parents, teachers, and other professionals; and coordinates student services in the school.

School Counselors help children by…

• Promoting positive attitudes among students towards their self, family, peers and community.
• Helping students to recognize and make the best of their abilities.
• Providing brief solution-focused counseling with students individually and in small groups.
• Teaching students how to manage their emotions such as stress, worry, anger, etc. in a positive way.
• Developing and delivering classroom guidance lessons that teach skills such as decision making, resolving conflicts, emotion management, and respecting others.
• Working collaboratively with parents and teachers to identify and remove barriers to learning.
• Providing counseling and support during personal crises.
• Connecting students and family to mental health services and community resources.

School Counselors can help in many situations…

“My parents are getting a divorce.  I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

“I’m new here and I’m having trouble making friends.”

“Karen always tells me she doesn’t have homework, but I found out she isn’t doing it.”

“Bill hasn’t been himself lately.  He seems too preoccupied with something.”

“I have a bad temper and need to learn how to control it.”

“Mary has been absent from school an awful lot this year.”

“My dad gets so angry & he scares me.”

A student may see the School Counselor for…

• Help in solving problems
• School, home, & friendship problems
• Feeling good about yourself
• Death or illness of a loved one
• Changing life situations
• Improving social skills
• Adjusting to a new school
• Happy occasions
• Any other area of concern

Why do parents contact the School Counselor?

• Family difficulties or concerns
• To discuss the needs of their child
• Early discussion of potential crises
• Concerns over student achievement
• Referrals to mental health agency and community resources

How are students’ seen by the School Counselor?

A child or the child’s parent may request to see the counselor at any time or they may be referred by a teacher or administrator.

School Counselors do not…

Please note school counselors do not provide “therapy” or “traditional counseling.” Referrals can be provided for outside counseling services for children experiencing ongoing mental health concerns.