What is a School Counselor?
For a lot of parents, the idea of a School Counselor is a concept they are not familiar with. For many parents, a Guidance Counselor was generally the type of counselor they interacted with during their own high school experience. When it comes to a School Counselor, there are some similarities and differences between the two professions. Guidance Counselors are often tasked with a large range of responsibilities, working on scheduling, testing, as well as other tasks that may arise that concern students and their academic success, most often at the high school level. A School Counselor differs from this role in the sense that they are able to devote a majority of their time to counseling students with social, emotional, career, and academic matters, at all grade levels.
The role of a School Counselor is incredibly helpful, especially under the unique circumstance of the ESC Annex. Students will be able see a School Counselor weekly as well as have one available throughout the week to speak with if any problems arise.
The role of a School Counselor is incredibly helpful, especially under the unique circumstance of the ESC Annex. Students will be able see a School Counselor weekly as well as have one available throughout the week to speak with if any problems arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a parent contact the School Counselor?
Parents can swing by the office, email, or call. This information can be found under the “Get in Touch” section on the home page.
What does the School Counselor see students about?
Students are seen based on their needs. Possible issues or concerns that students see the school counselor for include: friendship and social skills, emotion management, study skills, conflict resolution, divorce, trauma, loss, feelings, stress, academics, bullying, and problem-solving and decision-making.
Are your services free?
Yes! Counseling services are free for every student at the ESC Annex.
For how long does the school counselor see the student?
Sessions may be held on a regular, ongoing basis or simply as needed.
If a student is getting outside services, what is the School Counselor’s role?
The School Counselor can collaborate with the outside service providers if needed. There is a form that the School Counselor might give you titled, Authorization for Release/Exchange of Information, which will allow communication between providers. This form can be requested from Ms. Ryman or can be found on the "Important Documents" page.
What are the parameters around confidentiality?
Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling; this is how the counselor builds trust with the student. What the child says during counseling is to remain between the counselor and the child unless:
1. The child is in imminent danger.
2. The child is threatening to harm him/herself or someone else.
3. The child reports an incident of abuse and/or neglect.
4. The child gives permission to disclose.
When a breach in confidentiality is necessary, I would make a report to the appropriate agencies, support staff and/or parents depending on the situation.
Note: School Counselors and other school staff members are mandated reporters. Mandated reporters are required by law to report to CPS any time a student is suspected of being abused, neglected, or in danger.
Will you notify me if you spoke to my child?
During your child's annual IEP meeting, counseling services will be written into the Related Services section. During this time we will discuss all of the relevant information regarding counseling, and by signing the IEP you are giving consent for your child to participate in individual and group counseling. You may revoke this consent at any time by contacting the counselor or your child's teacher and requesting an amendment to the IEP.
What topics do you cover in small groups?
Small group topics are determined based on the need of the students. Topics can range from less severe topics such as friendship and study skills to more severe topics such as anxiety and depression. Parents and students will be informed of any new groups that are starting throughout the school year.
Is my student in trouble if they see the School Counselor?
When your student receives a slip with the Counselor’s name on it or is called to the Counselor's office, it does not mean they have been called in because they are in trouble or “bad.” In fact, a counselor is an adult who acts as their advocate! An advocate is someone who wants to listen to what students have to say and help them come up with reasonable solutions to making a situation better. It does not mean that their counselor can solve the problem for them; it does mean that they have a safe place that they can go to when they are not sure what to do.
What training does the School Counselor have?
I (Ms. Ryman) hold a Master’s Degree in School Counseling and am certified by the State of Ohio. I am trained in Group Counseling, Individual Counseling, Child Development, Career Guidance, Multicultural Counseling, Child/Adolescent Counseling, Drug & Alcohol Substance Abuse Counseling to name a few. I am also continuing my education through District In-service and Conference opportunities throughout the school year.
When are sessions scheduled?
All students will be seen weekly for 20-30 minute sessions as well as any additional times when a student is participating in a small group or an individual problem arises.
What can parents expect from me?
I will try to coordinate the efforts of home and school and I am willing to give suggestions but no solutions, fully recognizing that the responsibility of the action lies with the child and parent.
What can parents do to help their students be more successful?
Recognize that in order for counseling to be effective for your student, a relationship built on trust must be built between myself and your student. This means that I have to assure the student that what is discussed in counseling sessions will remain confidential as long as the limits to confidentiality are not met. Please trust that if a topic arises that I feel you as a parent should know, I will encourage the student to share this information with you. If you have any questions about confidentiality please feel free to contact me or visit the important documents page for more information.
Parents can swing by the office, email, or call. This information can be found under the “Get in Touch” section on the home page.
What does the School Counselor see students about?
Students are seen based on their needs. Possible issues or concerns that students see the school counselor for include: friendship and social skills, emotion management, study skills, conflict resolution, divorce, trauma, loss, feelings, stress, academics, bullying, and problem-solving and decision-making.
Are your services free?
Yes! Counseling services are free for every student at the ESC Annex.
For how long does the school counselor see the student?
Sessions may be held on a regular, ongoing basis or simply as needed.
If a student is getting outside services, what is the School Counselor’s role?
The School Counselor can collaborate with the outside service providers if needed. There is a form that the School Counselor might give you titled, Authorization for Release/Exchange of Information, which will allow communication between providers. This form can be requested from Ms. Ryman or can be found on the "Important Documents" page.
What are the parameters around confidentiality?
Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling; this is how the counselor builds trust with the student. What the child says during counseling is to remain between the counselor and the child unless:
1. The child is in imminent danger.
2. The child is threatening to harm him/herself or someone else.
3. The child reports an incident of abuse and/or neglect.
4. The child gives permission to disclose.
When a breach in confidentiality is necessary, I would make a report to the appropriate agencies, support staff and/or parents depending on the situation.
Note: School Counselors and other school staff members are mandated reporters. Mandated reporters are required by law to report to CPS any time a student is suspected of being abused, neglected, or in danger.
Will you notify me if you spoke to my child?
During your child's annual IEP meeting, counseling services will be written into the Related Services section. During this time we will discuss all of the relevant information regarding counseling, and by signing the IEP you are giving consent for your child to participate in individual and group counseling. You may revoke this consent at any time by contacting the counselor or your child's teacher and requesting an amendment to the IEP.
What topics do you cover in small groups?
Small group topics are determined based on the need of the students. Topics can range from less severe topics such as friendship and study skills to more severe topics such as anxiety and depression. Parents and students will be informed of any new groups that are starting throughout the school year.
Is my student in trouble if they see the School Counselor?
When your student receives a slip with the Counselor’s name on it or is called to the Counselor's office, it does not mean they have been called in because they are in trouble or “bad.” In fact, a counselor is an adult who acts as their advocate! An advocate is someone who wants to listen to what students have to say and help them come up with reasonable solutions to making a situation better. It does not mean that their counselor can solve the problem for them; it does mean that they have a safe place that they can go to when they are not sure what to do.
What training does the School Counselor have?
I (Ms. Ryman) hold a Master’s Degree in School Counseling and am certified by the State of Ohio. I am trained in Group Counseling, Individual Counseling, Child Development, Career Guidance, Multicultural Counseling, Child/Adolescent Counseling, Drug & Alcohol Substance Abuse Counseling to name a few. I am also continuing my education through District In-service and Conference opportunities throughout the school year.
When are sessions scheduled?
All students will be seen weekly for 20-30 minute sessions as well as any additional times when a student is participating in a small group or an individual problem arises.
What can parents expect from me?
I will try to coordinate the efforts of home and school and I am willing to give suggestions but no solutions, fully recognizing that the responsibility of the action lies with the child and parent.
What can parents do to help their students be more successful?
Recognize that in order for counseling to be effective for your student, a relationship built on trust must be built between myself and your student. This means that I have to assure the student that what is discussed in counseling sessions will remain confidential as long as the limits to confidentiality are not met. Please trust that if a topic arises that I feel you as a parent should know, I will encourage the student to share this information with you. If you have any questions about confidentiality please feel free to contact me or visit the important documents page for more information.
Ethical Standards
As a School Counselor, I have a code of ethical standards that I am required to uphold. This code consists of rules and regulations written for the benefit of the student. This code of ethics is provided here for your convenience.