Why Elementary School Counseling?

The elementary years regard a time when students begin to develop their academic self-concept and their feelings of competence and confidence as learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication, and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers, social groups and family. Comprehensive developmental school counseling programs provide education, prevention and intervention services, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. Early identification and intervention of children’s academic and personal/social needs is essential in removing barriers to learning and in promoting academic achievement.(Explained by the American School Counseling Association)

Services Provided

• Social-Emotional Learning and support in K-5 classes based on RULER* and Second Step**
• Small group counseling support (topics include: emotion regulation, social/friendship skills, anxiety, grief, divorce/separation
• Brief solution-focused individual counseling
• Parent consultations
• Community resource referrals

Elementary school counseling attempts to help all children get the most out of school. Please feel free to contact me if you have concerns about your child.

Please note: School counselors do not provide therapy or long-term counseling services and additional supports will be provided for children and families upon request.

*RULER is an evidence-based framework for integrating social-emotional learning into schools.

** Second Step is a social emotional skills curriculum focusing on empathy training, emotional management, and problem-solving skills.