While school counselors don't provide therapy, they do work with students individually and in small-group sessions. The purpose of these sessions is to assist students in learning and practicing life-long skills in areas such as problem-solving, making friends, processing feelings, resolving conflicts and working cooperatively. Referrals to visit with Mrs. Kirschman can be initiated by a teacher, parent, the principal or the student. 

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Topics often addressed in individual counseling include:

 

* adjusting to family changes that are interfering with learning

* building self-esteem

* identifying and processing feelings

* conflict resolution strategies 

* assertiveness training

* social thinking

* anger management strategies

* academic success skills

* impulse control

* coping with loss

* stress and anxiety management

 

Confidentiality is an important aspect of school counseling. What a student says in private in the counseling office is to remain between the counselor and the student with these exceptions:

1. The student or someone else is in serious or foreseeable harm.

2. The student reports an incident of abuse and/or neglect.

3. The student gives permission to disclose.

School counselors and other school staff members are mandated reporters. Mandated reporters are required by law to report to DPHHS any time a student is suspected of being in danger.