How do I refer my child for individual counseling?
Please go to the individual counseling page and fill out the contact sheet or e-mail me at [email protected] The next steps will include a parent phone call, conversation with the scholar's teacher, and consent form sent home.
I have a concern about my child. What do I do?
It depends on the concern. I often recommend that parents contact their child's teacher FIRST. Since teachers spend the most time with your child on a daily basis, they often have a unique and valued perspective. I am always happy to talk over the phone or meet with parents in person to discuss concerns.
I feel that my child is being bullied by another student. What do I do?
First, I make sure to differentiate with kids when it is someone being mean to you once, or persistent, directed behaviors toward a child. If it is persistent, focused harassment toward your child, then I would contact the teacher first. Next, I often meet with scholars together to have a conflict resolution or restorative conversation.
How long do you meet with students in individual counseling?
Usually 6-8 weeks, then I refer children to outside counseling. See my community referrals page if you need recommendations.
How is school counseling different than outside counseling?
One of the most unique parts of being a school counselor, rather than an outside therapist, is that I see scholars in the environment where they spend the bulk portion of their day. I can meet scholars in the middle of a crisis, observe in and teach lessons in the classroom, and address concerns with teachers/staff. I also serve the entire student population and not only the scholars who have been referred. However, because of that, my capacity is different than a therapist and I often recommend families to outside therapists when I feel that more long-term, family, or intensive counseling could be helpful.