What Does A School Counselor Do?

Let me share a few of the things that I do each day to serve the students, staff and families at Sedalia Elementary School.

Individual Counseling

Students may be referred for individual counseling as deemed necessary by the student, parents/guardians, and teachers.

Counselor meets with students to:

• Work through personal problems that may affect academics or relationships
• Maintain academic standards and set goals for academic success
• Improve social skills
• Cope with school or community-related violence, accidents, and trauma
• Develop skills to improve organization, study habits, and time management
• Identify strengths, interests, and aptitudes through assessment

Classroom Guidance

I reach 100% of the student population through teaching classroom character education classes. Several of the many subjects include:

• Effective Problem Solving
• Conflict Resolution
• Kindness
• Friendship
• Diversity
• Coping Skills
• Bullying
• Test Taking Skills
• Studying Skills
• Career Awareness
• And Much More!

Small Group Counseling

Group counseling is available for students. Small groups require parent permission and may be initiated by parent/teacher referral.

Group topics include:

• Anger Management
• Family Changes
• Divorce
• Grief & Loss
• Attendance
• Coping Skills
• And Much More!

Your elementary counselor can help…

• You understand yourself and others.
• When you need someone to listen.
• With family changes.
• When you are faced with personal and difficult situations.
• With career development and healthy decision-making.
• When you are stressed out!

Common Concerns Dealt with in a School Counselor’s Office

• “I’m having trouble with an adult.”
• “I just need to talk to someone.”
• “My best friend hates me and
  now everyone is against me.”
• “My homework isn’t done because of something that happened at home.”
• “Something happened to me
  and I need to tell someone.”
• “One of my parents left last night
  and I don’t feel very good.”
• “I don’t have anyone to play with.” 

School Counselors may meet with students about…

• Behavior issues
• Problems with grades
• Missing too many school days
• Promotion/Retention
• Healthy peer relationships
• Helping with transitions

Consultation & Collaboration

Counselor meets with parents/ guardians to:

• Provide support for parents seeking help
• Provide information regarding available community resources
• Share information about their child within the boundaries of the counselor’s professional ethics
• Review student academic performance

Counselor consults with staff and other professionals to:

• Help identify and assist students with academic difficulties
• Assist administration in coordinating activities such as orientation, testing, and registration
• Assist staff in teaching curriculum dealing with the Comprehensive School Counseling Program

Make referrals to community agencies when necessary

Confidentiality

All information shared during counseling sessions is confidential unless you tell us that:

1. You are planning to harm
   yourself or others
2. You are the victim of abuse or neglect

In these situations, we are required by law to report this information to parents and/or the appropriate agencies.