Who Am I?
Where do I live?
Essex
Can you leave class whenever you want to see Ms. Alissa?
No. You need teacher permission.
True or false: Ms. Alissa only helps students who are having problems.
False. School counselors help every student.
Does everything you tell Ms. Alissa stay confidential/private?
No. There are exceptions
The school counselor is here to help create a _____ & _____ school environment.
Safe and happy
How many years have I been a school counselor?
7 years!
Name one way you can ask to meet with Ms. Alissa.
1. Ask teacher
2. Family contacts me
3. Just ask
Name one thing a school counselor can help students with.
Feelings, finding solutions, recognizing strengths, developing skills, friendships, conflict, coping skills, etc.
True or false: I will keep a secret about you or someone else getting hurt.
False
Should I be the only person you talk to about your feelings and problems?
No. Everyone at the school is here to help you feel happy and safe.
How many siblings do I have?
15
Do you have to wait until you have a really big problem to ask to meet with me?
No. You can ask for support when you need it.
True or False: If I talk with your teacher, I tell them everything you have talked about together.
False. I may work with your teacher to figure out ways to support you while still respecting your privacy.
You tell me that you had an argument with your friend. Will I automatically tell your teacher everything you talked about?
No. What you talk about is private unless there is a reason I need to share (affecting your school day) or you give permission.
True or false: You can see me whether your problem is big or small.
True
I used to coach what sport? And where?
Girls Varsity Basketball at Milton High School
Freshman Girls Basketball at Essex High School
Can you show up in my space for a lunch bunch?
No. You will need to request one by signing up or ask/schedule one with me.
True or false: The counselor tells you exactly how to solve your problems.
False. We will work together to think about different ways to solve or cope with your problems.
What does confidentiality mean when you talk with the school counselor?
What you talk about stays private unless someone is hurting you, you want to hurt yourself or someone else, or you give permission to share.
Why might two students have different plans with the school counselor?
Every student is unique, so I may have different plans with different students based on what they need.
South Burlington High School
A student has been feeling overwhelmed at school but can’t explain exactly why. They tell you, “I don’t even know what I would say to Ms. Alissa.” Could they still ask to meet with me? Why?
Yes. You don’t have to know exactly what’s wrong or what you want to talk about before asking to meet. I help you understand your feelings and figure out what might help.
Name 4 ways that we might work together or see each other throughout the day.
1. Guidance class
2. Lunch bunches
3. Individually
4. Small groups
You tell me something and say, “Promise you won't tell anyone.” Can I promise that? Why or why not?
No. I can keep most things private, but I cannot promise secrecy if someone may be unsafe.
If you are having a disagreement with your friend. What is one way you can try to solve it first before asking for help?
Use your words to calmly talk to your friend about the problem and try to find a solution together.