Counseling Program FAQ's

Professional School Counselors are student/family advocates who often were teachers first. Thus, they have classroom instructional experience and understand the dynamics of the school setting. School Counselor certification requires a master’s degree and rigorous training in a variety of areas. Specifically, School Counselors study in-depth: legal & ethical issues in education, child development, counseling theories & methods, career development, societal & environmental factors affecting learners, and collaboration with outside professionals & resources. TVS Counselors are certified and/or licensed in the helping and mental health field.

A School Counselor 1) provides guidance to students through individual/group counseling and classroom guidance lessons; 2) consults with parents, school personnel, & community members to promote student success; 3) coordinates resources for students & families, which may include outside referrals; 4) advocates for a respectful learning environment which values diversity; and 5) is committed to staying current on best practices in education & adhering to professional standards of competence and practice.

Yes. A professional School Counselor provides a school counseling program based on the American School Counselor’s Association (ASCA) which is comprehensive in scope, preventative in design, and developmental in nature. More information on ASCA’s national model can be found at www.schoolcounselor.org. School counseling programs include academic, career, & personal/social domains.

Our philosophy is that student issues are best solved with the family involved, and we encourage the students to share with their parents that they have met with us. Generally, if a student comes to visit us regarding a conflict with a friend, we might meet once to discuss problem-solving strategies for approaching this friend, and the parent most likely would not be notified. State law and professional ethics allow a School Counselor to meet with a student three times (issue-specific) prior to parental notification. If a student is in danger of being harmed or harming himself or others, we are legally obligated to share this information with the appropriate persons (parents/guardians, principal/headmaster, or state agency).

That is okay! The School Counselor provides options and guidance that are based on her prior experience and knowledge. We all approach life differently, and therefore the School Counselor may have opinions that differ from your family’s philosophy. Keeping with the idea of respect for diversity, the School Counselor will work with the family within its preferred religious or spiritual principles.

The School Counselor is available to all members of the TVS community and is a helpful resource for information regarding developmental milestones/phases, community resources, and support when the going gets tough. It is best to set an appointment in advance by contacting the Counselor directly. Drop-ins are welcome if the Counselor is available.