Group and Inpidual Counseling
Elementary School
The
elementary years are a time when students begin to develop their
academic self-concept and their feelings of competence and confidence as
learners. They are beginning to develop decision-making, communication
and life skills, as well as character values. It is also a time when
students develop and acquire attitudes toward school, self, peers,
social groups and family. Early identification and intervention of
children’s academic and personal/social needs is essential in removing
barriers to learning and in promoting academic achievement. The
knowledge, attitudes and skills that students acquire in the areas of
academic, career and personal/social development during these elementary
years serve as the foundation for future success. To this end our SFAC
interns complete inpidual and group counseling sessions.
Intermediate School
Middle
school is an exciting, yet challenging time for students, their parents
and teachers. During this passage from childhood to adolescence, middle
school students are characterized by a need to explore a variety of
interests, connecting their learning in the classroom to its practical
application in life and work; high levels of activity coupled with
frequent fatigue due to rapid growth; a search for their own unique
identity as they begin turning more frequently to peers rather than
parents for ideas and affirmation; extreme sensitivity to the comments
from others; and heavy reliance on friends to provide comfort,
understanding and approval. SFAC interns in Carmen Arace Intermediate
and Middle School complete inpidual counselling sessions to meet student
needs, as well as group counseling sessions to work on specific skills.
Counseling sessions work on the following skills:
Peer relationships, coping strategies, and effective social skills.
Communication, problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution
Understanding of self and others.
Grief counseling as needed.