Counceling Services
A variety of counseling services are available at Hill School (with parental permission) at no extra charge to parents. Our counseling services serve as a supplement to private counseling. We believe in a team approach in assisting the whole child and are often asked by families to consult with private therapists and/or doctors. Issues of low self-esteem, poor stress management, and healing old "wounds" from academic challenges are addressed in every form of counseling provided.
Brief Individual Counseling. Occurs when a student is upset or in need of support at that time. Processing feelings, problem solving, strategizing and support are the focus.
Brief Peer Counseling. This type of counseling is most useful when there are peer conflicts or misunderstandings. Typically, each student is given an opportunity to give their perception of the problem, we clarify expectations, and make agreements and compromises that are agreeable to all parties.
Content-specific Group Counseling. Whether the issues center around divorce, grief, test anxiety or adolescent angst, students learn they are not alone. They learn about the issue and are encouraged to develop coping skills.
Social & Friendship Skills Group Counseling. Some of our students at Hill have difficulty with social cues and friendship skills. Groups help those students connect with others by giving them time with an even smaller group than their classroom. A fun task, game or activity is done while their interactions are processed, facilitated and improved upon. At times there is a need for a more instructional approach where social cues/skills are taught directly.
Crisis Management. Crises can vary from one distraught student to a natural disaster. Plans are in place for managing a wide variety of emergencies, however rare.
Assessment and Referral. There are many services and providers in our communities that can be accessed. Our counselor is often asked to make recommendations or referrals.
Counselor: Pat Stevens is licensed as a Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Chemical Dependency Counselor. She has been a school counselor at all levels and has worked with young people in both private practice and agency settings. In addition, Ms. Stevens is certified as a Special Education teacher in Texas, and has a special place in her heart for young people who are unique, creative, wondrous, and always able to teach us new things.
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AcademicsHill Family Comments
- Mitchell (8), Student