Counselling Services @ SSIS
What is Counselling?
Counselling is a way of working together in a unique and confidential helping relationship, developed between a counsellor and a client (student). In this relationship, the counsellor acts as a facilitator to help the client to understand more accurately him/herself and the world around him/her. The counsellor and client explore the client's feelings and behaviours, relationships with others, choices and decisions, as well as the client's current situation.
Why do students seek counselling?
Different students come to counselling for many different reasons. Some of the more common concerns students may have are:
- Low self-confidence
- Finding, helping, or losing a relationship
- Puzzling or distressing emotional states
- Family concerns (conflict, divorce, pressure, etc)
- Self-defeating behaviours
- Alcohol and drug use
- Anxiety
- Grief
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Decision making
- Sexual assault
- Sexual orientation or gender identity issues
- Getting better grades
- Careers, life planning and development
If you feel you have any of the above issues, or some other troubling situation, and are not sure what to do about it, you are encouraged to contact a counsellor.
What happens during a counselling session?
Counselling takes place in the office of the counsellor where everything being discussed is based on the principle of unconditional positive regard and mutual respect. All conversations are confidential unless you are in immediate harm. You will not be judged on what you say, think or feel. During the first counselling session, it is a time to get to know your counsellor and you are able to talk openly and honestly about any issues or concerns. Sometimes this is enough for people to resolve an issue. However, if ongoing concerns are noted, the counsellor may seek to develop a plan, in consultation with you, for further sessions to work on specific issues causing concern.
What about confidentiality and immediate harm?
Part of meeting with a counsellor means having a confidential helping relationship. Confidentiality means not passing on information to others without your consent. But, if you are in immediate harm – that is: hurting yourself, hurting other people, or other people are hurting you - the counsellor is ethically and legally bound by the Counsellor’s code of Practice to inform the necessary authorities. In schools, general academic information that is educationally relevant may be passed on to your immediate teachers but this will never include personal, relationship, family, or any other information that is not of direct use in assisting with improving your school experience.
How do I see a counsellor?
Counselling Services are available to any student enrolled at SSIS. At the Early Years and Elementary Level, students are most often referred by staff or parents and appointments are scheduled as necessary. At the Secondary Level, students may self-refer, meaning seek an appointment themselves, or be referred by parents, staff or other students. Students are also able to see a counsellor without an appointment if experiencing a crisis.
Note to Parents:
Counselling services for your child can be requested as required. At the Early Years and Elementary Level, parental consent is sought if ongoing consultation with a child is deemed necessary. At the Secondary Level, students are able to self-refer, or be referred by parents, staff or other students. Due to the confidential nature of the counselling relationship, counsellors will not inform parents of contact with their child unless the student is in immediate harm or it is deemed appropriate.
What are my responsibilities in counselling?
We know that resolving issues requires your commitment, so we ask that you keep all appointments. However, the most important responsibility is to take the steps necessary to keep yourself healthy emotionally, as well as physically. Taking the first step to seek help may be difficult, but it may change your life in a most positive way!
Student Counselling Services Personnel
