The school counselor role at Pembroke Hill is centered around the social-emotional and personal growth of our students. Most of the time when I talk with an individual student, a small group of students, a colleague or a parent, we are discussing mental health concerns, friendship concerns, social dynamics, self-care skills, family situations and the like. Additionally, I am involved in other conversations regarding topics such as, academic support, leadership skills, team building and school climate. Because there is a wide umbrella and some overlap between the advisor role and the counselor role, it may be tough to know who to call first.
I wanted to share a link with you to an article that details the role of the school counselor that you may find helpful. You can read it here: Understanding the School Counselor/Parent Connection. Additionally I've listed below some common reasons I am usually contacted by a parent:
- When a student is experiencing a social conflict with a peer or peer group
- When there has been a change in the dynamics of the family that is impacting the child
- When a student is experiencing a personal struggle such as low self-esteem, questioning their sexual identity/gender, disrespectful behavior at home, a change in interests or peer group, etc.
- When a student needs support developing positive coping skills
- When a student is experiencing a difficult relationship with a teacher, coach or other adult
- When a student is experiencing anxiety: regarding school, extra-curricular activities, social situations, etc.
- When a student is experiencing sadness, isolation, hopelessness or other similar emotions
- When a student has recently begun working with a therapist, has recently been diagnosed with a mental illness or is suspected of having a mental illness
- When collaboration with other staff members, such as the advisor, have stalled or when a parent/student feels more comfortable contacting the counselor for help
- When confidentiality needs are paramount
With each parent contact, the counselor response varies. One size fits all most definitely does not apply here. Our conversation may or may not result in my speaking with your child; in fact, often times it does not. Many times I will not share the details of our conversation with any other faculty members either. What will be shared, and what I will do to respond, will be decided upon together as we talk.
Your child's advisor is an excellent resource for you as well. Contact the advisor when you are curious to know how your child is doing in his/her classes, have a question about a school event, want to get some academic support for your child, have a minor social concern, or just feel most comfortable sharing whatever need your child has with the advisor.
Whatever the reason you choose to reach out to the school for support, and whomever you connect with first, please know that we want to have the same goals for your child that you do. Parenting is tricky, to put it mildly, and we are not in the business of judging. We'll do our best to make sure that we are working together to see your child through whatever challenge may be facing them at the time. Hopefully one day we'll look back and say "Remember when...." with a smile at how far your child has come!
