The Role of the School Counselor

Overwhelmed by classwork?  Scared because your parents are splitting up? Worried about a friend?  Feel like you don't fit in?  Sometimes it's just not possible to sort through tough times alone.  Problems can build up and you may lose sleep, find you can't concentrate on homework, or even become depressed.  When you need to talk to someone, our school counselor can be a great place to start!

			Counselors Help You Cope

School counselors know how to listen and help.  They'll take your problem seriously and work with you to find a good solution.  School counselors are trained to help with everything — and it doesn't have to be just school stuff.  School counselors can give you all sorts of tips and support on solving problems and making good decisions. Chances are that whatever problem you have, Mrs. Costley has seen it before — and has lots of good advice on how to help you work through it.  She can give you tips on standing up for yourself if you're being bullied, managing stress, talking to your parents, and dealing with anger and other difficult moods.  Counselors can also advise you on problems you may have with a teacher, such as communication difficulties or questions over grades.

			How Do I See the Counselor?

Mrs. Costley will visit your class to talk about certain subjects and let you know when she is available.   She is also willing to meet with students at times that fit into the student's schedule — such as before or after school or during lunch.

			How Confidential Is It?

When you meet privately with Mrs. Costley, your conversation will be confidential.  She isn't going to go blabbing your business around school.  In very rare cases, a counselor is unable to keep information confidential. A counselor who thinks that someone is at risk of being harmed is required by law to share that information.  Even in these rare cases, Mrs. Costley will share that information only with the people who need to know.

Mrs. Costley is someone who is separate from your life — a neutral adult who isn't a parent, relative, or teacher.  If you need help in some way that she can't provide, she can give you information about other resources, such as the name of a therapist.  No matter what your problem, try to think of her as someone who's on your side.  

If you're seeing Mrs. Costley and your parents don't know about it, don't worry that she will talk to them about your meetings.  Unless you've given her the feeling that you may harm yourself or others, what's said in your meetings will stay just between you and her.

School counselors are all about helping to make your school experience the best it can be.  The role of the school counselor today is very different from what it was like when your parents were in school.  Instead of just focusing on schoolwork and careers, today's counselors are there for students in a broader way.  They help students handle almost any problem that might get in the way of learning, guide students to productive futures, and try to create a positive environment for everyone at school.  So if you need a counselor's advice, just ask!