Counseling » Counseling

Counseling

 
The Evolution from “Guidance Counselor” to “School Counselor” | Counseling@NYU
Photo Credit: Counseling@NYU
Welcome
to the

     Jenkins Jr/Sr High School Counseling Department                   

Vanessa Bigler, Counselor                                                        Tracey Hilpert, Registrar
Vanessa Bio Pic                                               pic
 
Roles of our Jobs:                                                   Counseling Office Secretary
Counselor:                                                                       Registrar:
 
-Classroom Lessons                                                                -Skyward Access
-Small Groups                                                                           -Student Registration
-Individual Counseling                                                             -Scholarship Information
-School Wide Initiatives                                                          -Transcript Preparation
-Outside Referrals                                                                    -Student Records
-School Transfers                                                                     -Report Cards/Progress Reports   
-Crisis Response                                                                      -Counseling Appointments
-Behavior Intervention                                                             -Running Start Grades                        
-Collaboration Staff/Families/Guardians                            -Transfer Credits
-College/Career Readiness                                                    -Counseling Department Webpages
-Character Strong Coordinator                                              -Facilitate College/Military Visits                                        
 
Counselor's Other Services/Roles:                                      Secretary's Other Services/Roles:
- Parent/Teacher consultation                                              -SAT, PSAT, ASVAB (as needed)
- Crisis Counseling                                                                  -State and Federal Reporting
- 504/CST/SST Support                                                         -Scholarship Award Night
- IEP Support (as needed)                                                     -CEDARS District Administrator  
- PBIS                                                                                        -504 Support    
 

WHAT DOES A SCHOOL COUNSELOR DO?

School counselors have the opportunity of working with students through classroom lessons, small group, and individual counseling. They also collaborate with school staff, parent/guardians, and community members in order to best meet the needs of the student body.

 

CLASSROOM LESSONS
Counselors provide classroom lessons as part of a comprehensive counseling program. Lessons may include topics such as understanding feelings of self and others, developing coping and problem solving skills, mental health awareness, friendship skills, study skills, and college/career readiness. 

SMALL GROUP COUNSELING
A variety of small groups are offered to students who may benefit from spending some extra time developing academic, social or emotional skills along with their peers, and to students who are coping with similar life situations. Counselors work closely with teachers during the group referral process.  Parent permission slips will be provided for interested students.  

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING
Some students can benefit from one-on-one counseling regarding academic, social, or emotional challenges. As outlined by the American School Counselor Association school counselors do not provide therapy or long-term counseling in schools to address psychological disorders. However, school counselors are prepared to recognize and respond to student mental health crises and needs. School counselors address those barriers to student success by offering instruction that enhances awareness of mental health and short-term interventions until the student is connected with available community resources. When students require long-term counseling or therapy, school counselors make referrals to appropriate community resources and maintain collaborative relationships with providers to align service coordination (ASCA, 2019).r. 

HOW DOES A STUDENT SEE A COUNSELOR?

If a student would like to see a counselor, he/she should ask his/her teacher for permission and instructions. Unless the student has an urgent need to see a counselor, the teacher may recommend a specific time for the student to leave class, so that the student does not miss too much important academic information. Additionally, a student is welcome to see the counselor during lunchtime, before school, or after school. If the counselor is not available, the student may leave his/her name and brief message as a request for the counselor to send for him/her when possible.

HOW DOES A PARENT/GUARDIAN SEE A COUNSELOR?

Parents and guardians are welcome to meet with counselors and are asked to make appointments in advance, to ensure that the counselor will be available. You may call or email to set-up a meeting.

WHY WOULD A STUDENT SEE A SCHOOL COUNSELOR?

Academic/Educational Counseling – Students sometimes have academic problems in areas including study habits, expectations, time management, organizational skills, and the level of the curriculum.  A counselor may assist students in exploring solutions to these and other academic problems.

Personal/Social Counseling – A counselor may assist students to develop skills to interact more effectively with others, identify personal values, talents and interests and transition into and out of Jr/Sr high school. The counselor will also provide support and assistance to students and families in crisis and can provide referrals to outside agencies for more extensive assistance including counseling, evaluations, or treatment.

Career/Vocational/College Counseling – Although career, vocational, and college information are provided by the counselor in monthly classroom lessons students may require additional post high school planning assistance. School counselors may collaborate with students, parent/guardians, staff, and the community to select postsecondary paths.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling; this is how the school counselor builds a relationship of trust with the student. What the child says during a counseling session is to remain between the school counselor and the child, unless:

  • The child is in imminent danger.
  • The child is threatening to harm self or someone else.
  • The child reports an incident of abuse and/or neglect.
  • The child gives permission to disclose.
When a breach of confidentiality is necessary, it is my responsibility to make a report to the appropriate agencies, support staff and/or parents depending on the situation.