Counseling Services

In Early Learning, a central component of our curriculum is Social Emotional Learning (SEL). As such, the counselor regularly goes into classrooms for structured lessons aimed at strengthening students' empathy, self awareness, and interpersonal skills. Teaching the different feelings in terms of how they are felt internally and expressed externally begins with our youngest learners and becomes more complex and nuanced as our students grow. Additionally, in teaching perspective taking and effective communication strategies, students are able to work through conflict resolution as they develop healthy relationships with peers. Having a compassionate and welcoming classroom plays an integral role in students' learning, therefore, working with classroom teachers is a central component of the counseling program. 
 
In addition to teaching classes, our EL counselor also works with students on an as needed basis individually or in groups. At this level, there is frequent communication with parents and caregivers to provide support and advice while providing a link between home and school. To this end, our counselor also frequently connects with individual therapists and outside support. 

In Middle Learning, the student focus shifts to being heavily focused on peer relationships and social individuation. Our ML counselor assists in mediating peer discussions and spends a lot of time getting to know students in a one-on-one setting. We also lead focused Social Emotional Learning (SEL) workshops in classrooms on topics such as anti-bullying, technology safety, mentally healthy habits, mindfulness and meditation, self-compassion, and building healthy relationships.

In ML, one of the bridges between students finding their own voice and adult social-emotional support is the counseling space. Our ML counselor helps provide scaffolding and a safe place to land as students build mastery in problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Individual meetings can also be a tool to help students increase insight within themselves and their relationships with others.

The interconnectedness of freedom and responsibility are more fully explored in UL, as students are provided with additional opportunities to develop as young adults. Autonomy, thoughtful decision making, and self-advocacy are common Social Emotional Learning (SEL) touchpoints in counseling meetings, as are self-care tools, techniques to reduce anxiety and pathways/approaches to resolve personal or interpersonal conflict and tension. The SEL curriculum is also interwoven through our multi-grade level advisory program.  

In addition to campus-based collaboration, our counselor regularly communicates with parents and caregivers to help them navigate the myriad of circumstances that can arise during a family’s time in UL, particularly as it relates to and impacts a student’s learning, well being, and overall experience.