Random
True or false: Only some people struggle with emotions or mental health.
False.
Everyone experiences times when they may struggle with emotions or mental health. That's part of being human. Struggling does not mean something is wrong with you!
True or false: Ms. Josie has her black belt in Karate.
False.
She did do Karate, but she quit after earning her red belt. She wishes she would have persisted and earned her black belt though!
True or false: School counselors can get you in trouble.
False.
School counselors do not give punishments for behavior. If we meet with you after an incident, we are likely giving you space to calm down, get help, or problem solve.
You tell Ms. Josie how you feel about your parents. Can Ms. Josie tell your parents what you said?
No. Ms. Josie cannot share what you say unless there is a risk of someone being hurt or you give her permission.
What are examples of activities you can do when experiencing big or heavy emotions?
Consistent exercise, sleep, creative activities, being outdoors, hanging out with friends and family, playing sports, listening to music, reading books, deep breathing
Where is your school counselor's office located?
In the Cuttlefish room (main hallway by the office)
True or false: Ms. Josie never liked sports or other extracurricular activities.
False. Ms. Josie played soccer, basketball, softball, choir, and also performed in school plays.
True or false: The counselor is available to see you whenever you would like.
False.
Some days, there is just one counselor with over 700 students on this campus. As much as I'd like to see you as soon as I can, I might not be able to unless it's an emergency.
You tell Ms. Josie a secret about another student. Can Ms. Josie tell the teacher what you said?
No.
Ms. Josie cannot share what you said unless that student is in danger or you give her permission.
True or false. Having big feelings of anger and sadness are bad feelings, and I should avoid feeling them altogether.
False.
All feelings serve an important purpose. They may not always feel good in our bodies, but if we listen to them they are telling us something important.
Let's say someone said something that made you angry. Try to listen to that feeling (anger or sadness) and then care for yourself. You can stand up for yourself or take a break from that friend for the day.
If you ignore the feeling and continue to spend time with that friend, you may end up feeling even worse about yourself. Your emotions may be telling you that you deserve to be treated better, so listen to them!
What can you expect if you meet with Ms. Josie?
Sitting on a comfy couch, safe and nonjudgmental space, talking about all kinds of things (light/heavy subjects, emotions, relationships with others, etc.), art/game activities, practicing deep breathing and other skills
True or False: Ms. Josie has lived in another state other than California.
True.
Ms. Josie lived in Minnesota for a year and experienced a very cold winter while there.
What are examples of things that happen in life where you may want to talk to the school counselor.
If you are feeling sad or lonely, bullying, death of someone you love, arguments with friends, etc.,
You tell Ms. Josie that you feel unsafe at home. Can Ms. Josie tell someone else about this?
Maybe. If you are being hurt, Ms. Josie will have to tell adults that will keep you safe.
What is a coping skill you can use at school?
Examples: Take a short break (as allowed), take deep breaths, count to 10 (or higher), use the peace corner, use a fidget, talk to a friend you trust
True/False. Your parent/guardian needs to sign a permission form for you to see the school counselor after three sessions.
True.
True or false: Ms. Josie is an only child.
False. Ms. Josie has five siblings. The oldest is 36 and the youngest is 13!
True or false. The only time that you should have any contact with the school counselor is when you have a big problem.
False.
A school counselor can help with social, emotional, and academic situations. Lots of people can see the school counselor, not just people with "big issues."
Will Ms. Josie tell someone something I said without telling me?
No.
Ms. Josie will let you know if she ever has to tell someone to keep you/someone else safe. She will always ask permission for anything else that you share.
True or false. It's okay to ask for help if your emotions are feeling too overwhelming.
True. We all can feel overwhelmed at times. It is okay to ask to talk to a counselor or another safe adult about what is happening.
If you need to see the school counselor, what do you do?
Ask a teacher!
Middle School: You also have the option to complete the counseling request form on your chromebook.
True or false. Ms. Josie had an amazing middle school experience.
False. While parts of it were amazing, middle school was a challenging time for me. This is why I do what I do, I want to support you in the amazing and not so amazing times!
Counselors help improve...
Student attendance
Peer relationships
Academic Achievement
Overall student well-being
You ask Ms. Josie if she can talk to your teacher about an issue you are having with another student. Can Ms. Josie talk to your teacher about the issue?
Yes. If you give Ms. Josie permission, she can share what you would like. If there are certain parts you want her to leave out, she can as long as someone is not being harmed.
True or false. Crying is embarrassing and I should avoid it at all costs.
False. Crying is actually very healthy! It is a natural coping skills and a way that the body relieves stress caused by big emotions. You are never too old to cry. Even I do when I am feeling overwhelmed.
If someone is crying, the best thing you can do is provide a safe space for them to do so. You can be calm and ask, "Are you okay? Would you like your space or to talk with someone?"