School Counseling Services

St. Theresa Catholic School's counseling services are centered on the commitment to assist the students with their academic, social-emotional, spiritual and vocational needs, focusing on the students' specific strengths and abilities. These four domains encompass our view of the whole child. We recognize each student as an individual with unique God given gifts and talents, and will assist him/her in focusing on those attributes rather than his/her limitations.  Services are available for all students, not just those with identified academic or emotional needs.

SCHOOL COUNSELING GOAL

The school Counselor’s goal is to support, facilitate and provide the student the necessary tools to achieve his/her full potential and be successful in school.  This is possible when parents, school, and students, work together as a team towards the achievement of this goal.

Intellectual, social, physical and emotional issues are addressed.  Academic responsibility is taught, encouraged and reinforced.  The counselor assists the student to become more aware of alternatives to his/her situation, and supports the development of more effective problem solving and decision making skills. 

School counseling is voluntary and confidential. Referrals can be made by the student, parents, teachers, administrators or other appropriate school staff. 

**The Diocese of Arlington Catholic Schools Counselors Handbook stipulates the following:  “At the elementary level, it is advisable to seek parental permission to continue counseling sessions beyond two to three sessions on the same topic.” Page 24                                  

Parents, if you do not wish your child to meet with the school counselor without your permission, please notify the School Counselor, Elsa I. Figueroa in writing via email.

Individual Counseling: 

Sessions will focus on student’s specific needs, strengths, and development of coping skills. Students may request to see the counselor.  Referrals can also come from parents, teachers, administrators and staff.  

Group Counseling:

• Classroom Life Skills Lessons: The counselor will visit the classrooms and teach lessons relevant to the groups’ age and specific needs. Some of the topics are: growth mindset, bullying, friendship/peer relations, character education, conflict resolution, stress management, problem solving, etc. 

• Small Group Counseling: The counselor organizes groups that focus on learning a specific skill, or coping with a specific situation. These groups require previous parental consent. 

• Mediation: The counselor serves as facilitator in the process of conflict resolution within a group of students, when their efforts to resolve the conflict independently have not been successful.

• Career:  Classroom lessons for grades K-8 on important skills necessary to be successful in the workforce. The school holds an annual Career Day early in the spring with the participation of students from 4th thru 8th grade.