Whole Group Classroom Counseling allows the counselor to teach guidance lessons to a whole class. Ekstrand has adopted the Second Step social/emotional curriculum. Most lessons revolve around being assertive, how to calm down when having strong feelings, skills for learning and problem solving.

Small group counseling is in a smaller setting with 5-8 students. This gives the counselor an opportunity to give more direct instruction to students and to build positive relationships with them. Small groups happen the second half of the year. There may also be other small groups happening throughout the year based on the needs of our current students. Therefore, your child may be a part of more than one small group. Topics can include, but not limited to: bullying, friendships, listening, divorce, social skills, etc.

Individual counseling is an opportunity for the counselor and the student to work through issues they may be facing (home, school, friends, study skills, self-esteem, etc.) in a more intensive format. After assessing the student, I will put together a plan to work with the student to get through their issues by instilling skills they can use. Activities that I will be doing with students, but not limited are: play, identifying feelings, relaxation techniques, and bibliotherapy (books). A student is usually referred by their parent/guardian, teacher or principal. Students can also request to see me. My office is a place for them to feel that they can be safe, be heard, and be themselves. I honor each one of my students and will keep what they share confidential unless I feel that they are going to harm themselves or others or if I feel that it is in the benefit of the child to alert their teachers to help them be a better student in the classroom. The amount of time that I spend with each child depends on why they were referred or would like to be seen. Sometimes students have a weekly scheduled time and some are only on an “as needed” basis.

I look forward to being a resource for your child throughout the school year. My goal is to help your child be successful academically and socially. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at (563) 659-0750.

PARENTING ADVICE AND IDEAS

LEARNING GAMES

READING

Ekstrand Counselor
(563) 659-0750