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COUNSELOR ROLE IN SUPPORTING STUDENTS

Presented by: Jeanny Spence

School counselors are caring professionals who are here to support students like you with any personal, social, emotional, or academic challenges you may face.

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    • Family Matters
      • If you're dealing with a family-related issue, the counselor can help you find healthy ways to cope.
    • Stress & Anxiety
      • Counselors can teach you emotional regulation strategies to manage stress, anxiety, or other difficult emotions in a positive way.
    • Life Changes
      • Learn coping strategies when experiencing a loss, move or major transition.

PERSONAL ISSUES

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    • Healthy Relationships
      • Individual & Small Group Counseling
        • Friendship skills
        • Social Skills
        • Emotional Regulation
    • Conflict Resolution
      • RP Conferences for Peer Mediation
      • Restorative Circles
    • Emotional Intelligence
      • Help students identify and manage feelings
      • Teach coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and frustration

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS

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SUPPORT IN A CRISIS

UNEXPECTED EMERGENCIES

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    • Personal crisis
      • Loss of a Loved One
      • Major Accident
      • Divorce or Parent Separation
    • School-wide emergency

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TRAUMATIC EVENTS

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    • Family Related
      • Parental substance abuse or mental illness
      • Neglect or abandonment
      • Domestic violence
      • Parent/Guardian Incarceration

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SAFETY CONCERNS

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    • Signs of abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
    • Bullying and social conflicts
    • Self-harm or suicidal ideation
    • Drastic changes in behavior, mood, or attendance

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OTHER WAYS COUNSELORS HELP

    • Mandated Reporting:
      • Ensuring student safety by following protocols
    • Crisis Intervention:
      • Immediate support for high-risk situations
    • Restorative Conversations & Mediation:
      • Addressing conflicts to prevent harm
    • Safety Plans & Check-Ins:
      • Ongoing monitoring and structured support
    • Collaboration with Teachers & Families:
      • Creating a safe and supportive network
    • Connections with Resources:
      • School-based mental health services
      • Partnerships with community organizations & social services
      • Referrals to therapy, crisis hotlines, and family support program

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RESPONSE TIMES FOR STUDENT NEED

Medium Level of Need

High Level of Need

Low Level of Need

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Response Time: 1-2 Days

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    • Small disagreements with friends
    • Feeling a little worried about something new
    • Feeling shy or nervous about speaking up

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Response Time: Same day or within 24 hours

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    • Problems with friends that keep happening
    • Feeling really sad or worried a lot of the time
    • Big changes at home that make school harder
    • Noticing a friend who seems upset or lonely

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Response Time: Immediately within 1 minute to an hour

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    • Feeling so upset that you want to hurt yourself or someone else
    • Feeling very scared, alone, or unsafe
    • Noticing a friend who is in serious trouble

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BENEFITS OF TALKING WITH THE COUNSELOR

Objective Perspective

Skill Building & Growth

Confidential Support

Emotional & Mental Well-Being

Support for Challenges

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HOW TO GET COUNSELING HELP AT SCHOOL

Ask the Counselor

Ask Teacher or Staff Member

Through the front office messaging system

Teacher Request/Referral Process

Parent Request

Google Form

by Requesting an Appointment