Questions about individual counseling
What are some issues school counselors work with students on during counseling?
Every child is unique and so are their needs. As a school counselor, I am able to adapt to the needs/issues of each and every student I work with.
Some issues covered include:
How is a student referred to the school counselor to receive counseling services?
Referrals can come from a number of people who are involved in the students life including teachers, administration, and parents/guardians. The adult making the referral must contact the school counselor and from there the school counselor will set up counseling services.
When a students shares information with the counselor does it remain confidential?
I provide full confidentiality when working with students and families. This means, I will not talk to anyone about what the student or family has said unless I am given permission to do so. However, as a mandatory reporter, I must share information to proper authority if a student or family tells me something that may cause harm to themselves or harm to others.
What is the difference between a school counselor and a school based therapist?
When comparing a school counselor and a school based therapist it is important to remember that they both have completed a Master's degree in counseling. The differences between the two professionals are primarily with the licensing and depth of work. As a school counselor, I am licensed through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners whereas school based therapists (or mental health therapists) are licensed through the Iowa Department of Public Health. School counselors play a number of roles in a school and provide classroom guidance, small group counseling, and individual counseling. In the event of a crisis, a school counselor would have to cancel counseling sessions and reschedule them for the following week. Whereas a school based therapist, for the most part, plays one role; their schedule is structured and they primarily work only with their clients and the client's family. Children who can benefit from short-term counseling would be better off working with a school counselor and children who need more in-depth therapeutic help should reach out to the on-site school based therapist.
Every child is unique and so are their needs. As a school counselor, I am able to adapt to the needs/issues of each and every student I work with.
Some issues covered include:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-esteem
- Relationships
How is a student referred to the school counselor to receive counseling services?
Referrals can come from a number of people who are involved in the students life including teachers, administration, and parents/guardians. The adult making the referral must contact the school counselor and from there the school counselor will set up counseling services.
When a students shares information with the counselor does it remain confidential?
I provide full confidentiality when working with students and families. This means, I will not talk to anyone about what the student or family has said unless I am given permission to do so. However, as a mandatory reporter, I must share information to proper authority if a student or family tells me something that may cause harm to themselves or harm to others.
What is the difference between a school counselor and a school based therapist?
When comparing a school counselor and a school based therapist it is important to remember that they both have completed a Master's degree in counseling. The differences between the two professionals are primarily with the licensing and depth of work. As a school counselor, I am licensed through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners whereas school based therapists (or mental health therapists) are licensed through the Iowa Department of Public Health. School counselors play a number of roles in a school and provide classroom guidance, small group counseling, and individual counseling. In the event of a crisis, a school counselor would have to cancel counseling sessions and reschedule them for the following week. Whereas a school based therapist, for the most part, plays one role; their schedule is structured and they primarily work only with their clients and the client's family. Children who can benefit from short-term counseling would be better off working with a school counselor and children who need more in-depth therapeutic help should reach out to the on-site school based therapist.