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Individual Counseling Services
Many times, students will request a visit with the counselor regarding a situation at school and we will meet briefly to try to resolve the situation, particularly if there has been a problem on the playground/hallway/lunchroom with another student(s). These types of visits do not require prior permission from a parent, however I encourage students to go home and share with parents and guardians that we spoke and explain why we met.
If the problem/situation resulted in some type of consequence, the student will meet with the principal. The counselor does not see students for discipline, but rather to assist in conflict resolution so that the student may return to class and learning. If a student requires on-going counseling, the counselor will contact the parent to discuss the issues. Serious behavior problems or certain family issues may require more in-depth counseling with a licensed professional counselor at an outside agency. I can assist you with more information about resources in the community for counseling, including a Mental Health Assistance Program through WCSD.
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According to Utah law, school personnel are mandated to report child abuse and neglect. The reporter must do so if they have reason to believe that a child seen in the course of their professional duties has been abused, or neglected or threatened with abuse or neglect and the person has reason to believe the threats will be carried out. Every instance of child abuse or neglect must be reported no matter when it happened or where it happened.
If the problem/situation resulted in some type of consequence, the student will meet with the principal. The counselor does not see students for discipline, but rather to assist in conflict resolution so that the student may return to class and learning. If a student requires on-going counseling, the counselor will contact the parent to discuss the issues. Serious behavior problems or certain family issues may require more in-depth counseling with a licensed professional counselor at an outside agency. I can assist you with more information about resources in the community for counseling, including a Mental Health Assistance Program through WCSD.
____________________________
According to Utah law, school personnel are mandated to report child abuse and neglect. The reporter must do so if they have reason to believe that a child seen in the course of their professional duties has been abused, or neglected or threatened with abuse or neglect and the person has reason to believe the threats will be carried out. Every instance of child abuse or neglect must be reported no matter when it happened or where it happened.
Small Group Counseling
Small group counseling is a service provided to kindergarten through fifth grade students. Students may be invited to join a small group during the course of the school year. A school counselor can cover many issues in small group counseling such as family change/divorce, grief, self-esteem, etc...
Each year is a bit different and the needs of the current groups usually dictate what types of groups are offered. I will always ask for written parent permission before including a student in a small counseling group. Confidentiality is an important part of small group work, but it can be a difficult concept for kids. In order to avoid the problems that arise when students go home and tell their parents they can't share anything about group because "it's a secret," I usually explain it like this: each student can feel free to share what the topic was in group or what he or she said in group but not what other students have shared. Students who break the confidentiality of group and discuss things outside of group with others may be asked to leave the group. Small groups are for sharing and problem-solving and all students should feel safe in their group.
Each year is a bit different and the needs of the current groups usually dictate what types of groups are offered. I will always ask for written parent permission before including a student in a small counseling group. Confidentiality is an important part of small group work, but it can be a difficult concept for kids. In order to avoid the problems that arise when students go home and tell their parents they can't share anything about group because "it's a secret," I usually explain it like this: each student can feel free to share what the topic was in group or what he or she said in group but not what other students have shared. Students who break the confidentiality of group and discuss things outside of group with others may be asked to leave the group. Small groups are for sharing and problem-solving and all students should feel safe in their group.
While classroom guidance lessons and the Wellness Room are available to all students, small group counseling and individual counseling are implemented based on parent and teacher referrals. I will contact the parents when a student may be a candidate for small group counseling. If you would like to refer your student for individual counseling please contact the school.
Please Note: Students can request to visit with a school counselor at anytime. A school counselor may only pull a student from class and meet with them one time without a signed permission slip (except in circumstances when safety may be a concern, i.e., when a child is being hurt, or they are harming themselves or someone else).
