-How can I refer my child for counseling services?
You are more than welcome to call us at 616-493-8790, email Judy or Christine, send a note through your child or complete the contact form online. We will be glad to answer any questions about the counseling services at our school.
-Can you see my child for counseling all year?
Since the counselor needs to be available for all students, we are here to assist with short-term counseling. We will be glad to assist you with finding outside counseling services for your child.
-What kinds of concerns do you see children for?
We are here to assist with any issue that may be interfering with their success in school. We see students with friendship issues, academic concerns, dealing with changing family situations, how to handle feelings and how to develop/use coping skills just to name a few.
-Will my child be embarrassed to leave the classroom with the school counselor?
We hope not. We are very visible throughout the school. Because of this, we are seen as a normal part of the school atmosphere and students are usually excited/not nervous about seeing us. We always tell the students that the counselor is someone that is here to help them.
-What should I do if I suspect my child is being bullied?
1.) Focus on your child. Be supportive and gather information about the incident. Listen carefully to what your child tells you about the bullying. Ask him or her to describe who was involved, where the episode happened and were there any witnesses. Let them know you are glad they had the courage to tell you and to Stand Up for themselves or perhaps a friend. Ask your child what they think can be done to help.
2.) Contact your child's Teacher, Counselor or Administrator. We are appreciative of the phone call because we can't help, if we don't know.
3.) Help your child with resilience skills. Help to develop talents or positive attributes of your child. Suggest and facilitate music, athletics and or art activities. Doing so may help your child be more confident among their peers. Encourage your child to make contact with friendly students in his or her class. Your child's teacher or counselor may be able to suggest students with whom your child can make friends, spend time, or collaborate on work.
You are more than welcome to call us at 616-493-8790, email Judy or Christine, send a note through your child or complete the contact form online. We will be glad to answer any questions about the counseling services at our school.
-Can you see my child for counseling all year?
Since the counselor needs to be available for all students, we are here to assist with short-term counseling. We will be glad to assist you with finding outside counseling services for your child.
-What kinds of concerns do you see children for?
We are here to assist with any issue that may be interfering with their success in school. We see students with friendship issues, academic concerns, dealing with changing family situations, how to handle feelings and how to develop/use coping skills just to name a few.
-Will my child be embarrassed to leave the classroom with the school counselor?
We hope not. We are very visible throughout the school. Because of this, we are seen as a normal part of the school atmosphere and students are usually excited/not nervous about seeing us. We always tell the students that the counselor is someone that is here to help them.
-What should I do if I suspect my child is being bullied?
1.) Focus on your child. Be supportive and gather information about the incident. Listen carefully to what your child tells you about the bullying. Ask him or her to describe who was involved, where the episode happened and were there any witnesses. Let them know you are glad they had the courage to tell you and to Stand Up for themselves or perhaps a friend. Ask your child what they think can be done to help.
2.) Contact your child's Teacher, Counselor or Administrator. We are appreciative of the phone call because we can't help, if we don't know.
3.) Help your child with resilience skills. Help to develop talents or positive attributes of your child. Suggest and facilitate music, athletics and or art activities. Doing so may help your child be more confident among their peers. Encourage your child to make contact with friendly students in his or her class. Your child's teacher or counselor may be able to suggest students with whom your child can make friends, spend time, or collaborate on work.
