Meet YOUR Counselor
What is my first and last name?
You get an extra 100 points if you pronounce my first name correctly :)
What is Kerstin Stiffler?
How can you see your school counselor?
What is asking your teacher if you can come down to the office to see me?
What is confidentiality?
What is what is said in my office stays in my office!
Exceptions are if you tell me you want to hurt yourself or someone else- or someone is hurting you.
All of my feelings are okay
The Counselor will always call my parents.
What is...no! I will have to call home ONE time if I don't have permission to talk to you, and after that only if you are going to harm yourself, you're being hurt or you are going to harm someone else.
Where was I born and what other language do I speak fluently?
What is Germany and what is German?
Why would I go see the counselor?
What is because you are feeling confused, angry, afraid, worried, sad, lonely, need information, worried about grades, trouble with friends...?
What will I do in the counselor's office?
What is it depends on what you need. We may talk, color, puzzle, or play a game. Sometimes, you just my need a few minutes of silence or a quick break from your classroom or a classmate.
If I need to talk, I can just leave my class.
False! Please be sure to ask your teacher. We will work to find a time to meet. If it is an emergency, please let your teacher know.
The counselor will tell my teacher what I said.
What is no, you have the right to confidentiality and your teachers know this and don't typically asked what was discussed.
Where did I work before coming to BREC?
What is Smoky Mountain High School?
Name one thing you may see your counselor for?
Lots of answers possible here. Stress, worry, friendship, sadness.
Does my counselor only meet with students individually?
What is....no, I meet with students in groups and also classroom lessons.
My counselor tells others what I say in her office.
FALSE! Confidential! Unless we decide on the need to involve others or one of the exceptions.
Student are sent to the counselor's office for punishment.
What is false-school counselors have nothing to do with punishment or discipline.
What is my favorite sport?
What is soccer?
Do I go to the counselor's office if I get into trouble?
What is nope! You are not in trouble if you come to my office...but if you get in trouble in school at lot, your teachers, parents or administration may ask me to meet with you to see what we can do to help you stay out of trouble.
Can I only see the counselor one time?
What is...no, we will talk through your needs- and if you need outside help then I can also make referrals.
I can talk to my counselor about things that happen at school AND at home.
True!
Counselors have to tell the principal everything.
What is false-no, same rule as for teachers also applies to the principal and assistant principal.
Do I have children?
What is yes, two. A boy and a girl.
Can the counselor fix all of your problems?
What is....no, I can help you work through your problems but YOU are the only one that can choose to work on your problem/situation.
When is my counselor available?
I will always try to be available but sometimes I might be teaching a lesson, in a meeting or working with other students. If I am not in my office or the door is closed, please leave me a note and put it in the envelop on my door. I will find you when I return.
You can only see your counselor if it's a BIG problem.
False! We can work through big and small things. And what may seem small may be big to others and vice versa. I also like to celebrate with you when you have positive things happen!
Counselors will try to force me to talk when I really don't want to talk.
What is...false. Counselor will respect your feelings and not force you to do anything you don't want to do.