Brooklyn Primary

School Counselor

Brooklyn Primary School Counselor
Elayne Gwynne (“Ms. Elayne”)

541-524-2450, ext. 3207

“The elementary school years set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners. Elementary school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment. By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, elementary school counselors help their students achieve academic success, develop an understanding of career opportunities and develop social/ emotional skills in response to issues they face. Elementary school counselors hold a master’s degree and required state certification in school counseling. Maintaining certification includes ongoing professional development to stay current with education reform and challenges facing today’s students. Professional association membership enhances the school counselor’s knowledge and effectiveness.” - American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

What is Small Group Counseling?

Small group counseling in a school setting is designed to be a brief intervention for students to practice a particular skill, or get extra help in a social/emotional area, in order to be successful in school. The School Counselor’s role is that of a teacher or guide; school counselors are not trained therapists, but are trained educators/guides to help students be successful academically, socially, and emotionally. Here are some examples of small group counseling which are offered at school:

· friendship/social skills group

· family changes/dealing with divorce group

· grief group (for longer term grief issues, I would move the student to individual counseling or refer out to community services)

· impulse control group

· anger/frustration management group

· anxiety group

Small group counseling is NOT: group therapy, longer than 8 weeks, or an excuse to get out of class. Students are expected to follow group guidelines, which include confidentiality.