COUNSELING SERVICES
Over the past nine years, the counseling services at St. John the Beloved School have broadened in scope and depth. The school has adapted to the changing needs of children and families in our society. To that end, counseling services are available to parents for support and education, to students for academic and behavioral support as well as targeted interventions for loss and grief, self-concept, anxiety, social skills and other developmental challenges that can affect a student's progress in the school environment.
These services are offered through direct referrals from parents, teachers and the students themselves. Protocols have been established for students who wish to access the counselor that fit into the school day. All students will throughout the school year engage with at least one aspect of the counseling services that are presently offered at St. John the Beloved School. Additionally, the counselor oversees a character education field trip for all students in Grades 6 - 8. This adventure based education compliments strategies and values espoused at school. The focus is to empower our students "to live what they believe".
The philosophical backdrop of the counseling services correlate with the overall school mission to reflect the values of Jesus Christ. The counselor endeavors to meet all students without judgment where they are developmentally, cognitively, socially and emotionally. Inherent in the counseling services, is self-revelation. Students who engage with counseling services at St. John the Beloved School are instructed on emotional literacy, conflict resolution, introspection and social action. The counseling department views these steps as necessary to the total spiritual and educational development of the "whole person". The counselor maintains all records of sessions with students, calls from parents and maintains active files on student cases. The counselor envisions her role as a mental health representative and a student advocate who is open to all students.
The counselor is a consultant to the entire school community on both a micro and macro level. The counseling department develops and implements initiatives that address trends that occur in the school community or society at large. Students participate in the Diocesan Program, For the Sake of God's Children. This program address personal safety and its content has been further enhanced by the counselor over the past four years. There is an "I" to "I" conflict resolution program that is utilized throughout the school to address bullying situations or relationship challenges among students. The counselor invites guest speakers to contribute their expertise on matters of sexuality, sobriety and relational integrity. As needed, the counselor offers her expertise to colleagues and the administration.
Counseling services at St. John the Beloved School have evolved to include "crisis intervention". Strategies to address crises as they arise continue to evolve. This is consistent with the mission of the counseling department to assure the safety and cnsistency of the school environment in order to maintain peace of mind for all members of the school community.
CLICK HERE FOR THE COUNSELING PROGRAM OVERVIEW.