The Non-Public School Services Guidance and Counseling program at St. Joseph School attempts to prevent problems by providing a variety of services to help children cope with emotional, social, behavioral and/or academic difficulties. These services include:
- Developmental Classroom Guidance Lessons
- Individual Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Parent/Teacher Consultation
- Referral Services
Developmental Guidance
Students in Grades K-8 may participate in age-appropriate group guidance lessons to learn skills such as how to get along with others, how to cope with stress, ways to improve self-confidence, and how to study. Various hands-on activities and discussion are used to foster the development of social, emotional, and organizational skills expected of students at each grade level.
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling is available to students who want or need one-to-one guidance in resolving their problems. Students may be referred for individual counseling by their parents, teachers or by the students themselves. Parent permission is obtained for individual counseling services.
Group Counseling
Students with similar problems meet in small groups with a guidance counselor to discuss and learn strategies to deal with their mutual concerns. Parents will be notified if a child is recommended to participate in group counseling.
Parent/Teacher Consultation
Counselors, teachers and parents work together by sharing information and ideas to develop a mutually agreed upon course of action that is most beneficial to the students. The goal of consultation is to influence the attitude or behavior of a third party, usually the student. Books and materials are available in the Guidance Center for teacher and parent use.
Referral Services
When a child’s or family’s needs exceed the capacity of the school counseling program, the counselor will provide a list of appropriate agencies/individuals who can address those needs.
