Counseling Services – How it Works

 Under the umbrella of The Student and Spiritual Life Department, counseling is available to all students. Our goal is to provide a safe place where students can find support, a listening ear, a place to work on developing important social, emotional, and spiritual skills, and most importantly, find Godly counsel. The following information outlines how the counseling process typically works and provides insight into what CCS has made available to you and your student. I hope that you will see the Student & Spiritual Life Department as a resource and that we can help make your students time at CCS a great one! If you have comments, questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach me at 210.979.9203, extension 1831, or by email at alma.miller@sa-ccs.org.

I work with students in three ways; on an individual basis, in small groups, or at times in their classroom. Each area is outlined below as well as the confidentiality policy that we abide by.

Individual Counseling

To receive individual counseling, a student is referred by their parent, teacher, or principal. Students in 6th-12th grades can also personally request to come in for counseling. Students come to my office to talk about a variety of things that impact their learning at school including, friendships, other relationships, study skills, and self-esteem. Sometimes students want to share other concerns that are affecting them and we work together to develop new skills and strategies to help them be successful. In my office, students can feel free to talk about what worries them and can ask questions. The objective of working on an individual basis is to provide undivided attention that facilitates development in healthy, open ways. This enables us to work toward constructive habits and skills that honor God and His Word. It’s important to note that discussions in the counseling room remain confidential under most circumstances, but on very rare occasions, confidentiality can be broken. Please view the confidentiality section to learn more about this. Individual counseling is such a special time and I will work hard to help your child move closer to God’s purpose for their lives in a healthy and loving environment.

Small Groups

The small group setting is usually a very positive experience for participants. Small groups are set up by topic and participants all have the group topic in common. Groups meet once a week and can last anywhere from meeting once to upwards of 8 weeks. We start by sending an invitation to the parents of elementary aged children, and to the parent and student for secondary students. The invitation will include what the topic is, the goals of the group, and the expected duration. Parents and students have the option of participating or declining the invitation. It is important to note that confidentiality cannot always be guaranteed in group settings due to having multiple participants. It is however always outlined as part of the rules we follow in order to participate in group, and will be encouraged throughout our time together. Group time has the added benefit of helping your child to understand that they are not alone in how they feel and to be encouraged by others who have successfully handled similar experiences. Groups are so much fun and students truly grow and learn in this social environment.

Classroom-Based Counseling

Teachers can request a classroom guidance lesson based on the needs they see in the classroom. Common topics include: self-esteem, peer mistreatment, positive school behaviors, and keeping friends. This is always a fun time and I am always surprised at how involved the kids are and how eager they are to participate.

Confidentiality

It is very important that a student’s conversations with a school counselor be kept confidential because it facilitates an atmosphere of trust and safety, which are crucial elements of the counseling process. I consider it a privilege to be a small part of God’s work in their lives. That being said, confidentiality does have its limitations. As outlined by ASCA (2010), school counselors must “keep information confidential unless legal requirements demand that confidential information be revealed or a breach is required to prevent serious and foreseeable harm to the student”.

The following circumstances outline when confidentiality can be broken:

*If the student reports someone is harming them

*If the student reports they want to harm someone

*If the student reports they want to harm themselves

*If I have expressed permission from student to share with a trusted adult

Parents can receive general information regarding their child who visits the counseling office by simply contacting me. Working within the confidentiality guidelines is important, but equally important is your relationship with your child. You can feel confident that one of the main focuses in counseling will be your child’s relationship with God and with you their parents. I believe that openness and honesty are a must in the child’s relationship with you and will always strive to help your child achieve that through open communication with you.