Who Is This Guy?
What is my name?
Ric Verwer
Where is my office?
Next to the Nurses Station on the 1st floor.
What is confidentiality?
When you tell someone something personal and they keep it private (similar to a secret).
How many students do I work with?
How many students are at the school? :-)
How many letters in the word "Counseling"?
It depends. 10 or 11.
In some countries the word has 2 "L"s.
Who am I married to?
Ms Ramona Carter (Grade 4)
True or False:
You should only visit me if you have a BIG problem.
False.
I'm here for all sorts of problems. It's better that we address it when it's small before it becomes a BIG problem.
Will I tell your teachers about what we talked about?
No, unless...
What does a school counselor do?
I work with kids teaching them about social emotional learning (friendship, conflict resolution, how to do their personal best, managing stress). I work in the classroom through classroom lessons, small groups, and individual meetings.
Is it OK to be different?
Absolutely! That's what makes us all unique and interesting!
Where was I living before moving to Accra?
Indonesia
Can you visit me any time you want?
Not exactly. If you are in class and you feel you need to talk to me right away, ask one of your teachers if it's ok. If your visit can wait a bit, just let me know when you see me around campus. Or, you can leave a note in the box in my room, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Are our conversations always confidential?
No.
There are times I may need to share our conversation with someone else?
How is a counselor different from a teacher?
I have specialized training in counseling
I am not in your classroom all day
I have my own office space
Besides seeing me on the playground or in my office, when else will you see me?
I'll be in your classrooms... sometimes just visiting the whole class, sometimes I'll be there to see just one student, and I'll be in to teach some lessons, too.
How many children do I have, and what are their names?
Cai and Eden
Is it ok to come visit with a friend?
I LOVE supportive friends that are there to help you. Once we know what's going on, at that point I may ask your supportive friend to go back to class so they're not missing too much class time.
What are some reasons I might need to share what we've talked about?
If someone is hurting you, you are going to hurt someone else, or you are hurting yourself.
Counselors are meant to help with with problems... Does that mean I will do your math work for you?
Nope.
But if you do need help in how you learn, I can help you in finding the help you need.
Whatever happened to Ms. Leah?
Ms Leah is OK. She went back to the US to spend more time with her family.
Can you name my two favorite animals?
Octopus and Elephant
Can I visit even if I don't have any concerns or questions?
I really enjoy spending time with students and having fun. You can request to have lunch, play a game (if you are done with your work), just hang out, etc.
I am just one of many people who really cares about you and wants the very best for you...
Who else can you name who feels the same?
Parents, uncles/aunts, cousins, grandparents, brothers/sisters, teachers, principals, other school staff, people at your church, temple or mosque, your friends, coaches, and so many more...
True or False:
I only meet with students in my office.
False.
We can meet in hallways, outside of classrooms, inside classrooms, in the main office, we can go on a walk, or even use a separate room sometimes.
What are the Values of LCS?
Don’t just tell me how it’s done. Let me try.
Whatever happens, it’s what you do next that matters.
Be kind: it opens doors and minds.
The more we do together, the more we achieve.