Welcome to the SSM Counselor's Corner!
The purpose of the St. Stephen Martyr counseling program is to meet the social and emotional needs of all students and their families. We believe in the unique talents and gifts that God has given each student. Our counseling goal is to remove barriers in order to support success inside and outside of the classroom, allowing students to reach their full, God-given potential.
Counseling services offered vary from individual, small group, classroom wide, family-centered, or administrative level to best meet the needs of each individual student. The counseling process is collaborative and communicative, involving parents/guardians and school staff (when needed) to ensure that each student at St. Stephen Martyr is receiving the tools they need to be happy and healthy in all areas: mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
Counseling Service Offered
Individual and Family Counseling
Individual counseling services are offered during the school year. Referrals can be made by teachers or parents/guardians, or self-referral by students. Per Archdiocesan policy, a student can be seen by the counselor one time before parent/guardian consent is required. Individual counseling services can meet a variety of student needs such as developing social skills, combatting anxiety or anger, creating goals and improving organization, etc.
Small Groups
The counselor will conduct small group counseling as needed. These groups will address specific topics based on grade level and student needs. Small groups will be determined yearly by the counselor, with teacher and administration input. Some examples of possible small group counseling lessons include:
- Riding the Wave of Divorce (navigating split parent household, grades K-4)
- Guys with Ties (teaching leadership in boys, grades 1-3)
- Putting Out Fires: Anger Management (teaching students to recognize and manage anger, grades K-2)
- Middle School Transition Kit (preparing 5th grade students for middle school)
- Second Step (addressing bullying, drug use, character building; grades 6-8)
- Social Skills
- Empathy building
- Lunch Bunches for specific grade levels
Classroom Lessons
Classroom lessons are designed and implemented by the counselor to address age appropriate needs for entire grade levels. Classroom needs will be determined by teachers, administration, and the counselor. Possible topics addressed in classroom lessons include bullying, conflict resolution, managing stress, inclusion, mental health awareness, etc.
Mindwise Signs of Suicide
The Archdiocese of Louisville has provided funding to implement the Mindwise Signs of Suicide program for 6th-8th grade students. This program is a one lesson (with individual follow-up as needed) to educate students about signs of depression and how to find resources for themselves or others.
Speak Up, Be Safe
Speak Up, Be Safe is a child abuse prevention curriculum designed for First through Sixth grade students as tool to teach children the skills they need to prevent or interrupt abuse. It works by teaching children what abuse is and empowering them into action if threatened or victimized.
