Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Campus Life
Health & Wellness

1:1 Counseling Services

The educational mission of SHS emphasizes development of the whole child.

At times, this goal is served by providing counseling and/or referral services to students in need of extra support. Counseling services are designed to enhance a student’s personal growth in the areas of problem solving, communication skills, self-awareness, decision making, emotional regulation, and general coping skills.

K-8 Counseling FAQ

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • How is a student referred to counseling?

    Often parents contact the counselor directly and request counseling for their child. After an initial consultation with the parent, the counselor and parent will decide if counseling is appropriate for the child, or if outside service would be more beneficial. Other times a teacher may suggest to a parent that their child could benefit from counseling. If the counselor and parent agree with the teacher’s assessment, counseling will begin. Sometimes, older students seek out the counselor on their own. If a student needs ongoing support and is under 12 years of age, the counselor will require written permission from the parents.

  • What happens in a counseling session?

    Individual students will meet with the counselor during the school day or right after school in her private office. The counselor will listen to the student’s concerns and help him or her define the problem and search for solutions. Often times, the student may have to work on some needed skills like conflict resolution, empathy or communications skills to solve their problems.

    During counseling, therapeutic games, art activities, and books are often used to teach a student about emotions and communication skills. The younger the child, the more activities are included in counseling to keep the student engaged in the process of self-discovery and growth.

  • What about confidentiality?

    Counseling is a confidential process. There are times when a counselor is required by law to break confidentiality, as in a case where the counselor thinks that the student will harm himself or others, or if s/he is being harmed by someone, then the counselor must inform Child Protective Services.

  • Is counseling different for elementary versus middle school students?

    Yes. Older students are more verbal and better equipped to engage in discussions about their problems, than younger students. Younger students respond best to counseling when games, art and engaging activities are a part of the counseling process.

Personal Counseling Services (SHP)

The Preparatory’s Personal Counseling Program functions as a support service to assist students who are experiencing personal difficulties which may interfere with their academic, personal, social, or family life. The personal counselor is a resource for both students and parents and is not involved in disciplining students. Parents may email or call the office directly, and students are welcome to stop by the office during office hours or email the counselor to schedule an appointment.

Consultations with the personal counselor are confidential, with few exceptions. The counseling office is a vast resource for issues ranging from study habits and peer problems, to eating disorders and depression. High school is a time of transition and change, and successfully managing that requires guidance and the acquisition of skills. We are here to support students through the various changes and issues that confront students today, fostering coping skills and confidence.
Among the services provided are:

  • Crisis intervention
  • One-on-one consultations with students and/or parents
  • Outreach support for students and families when issues arise
  • Availability during meeting times and lunchtimesReferrals for services in the local professional community
  • School community educational materials and lectures

The counseling office is located in the Main Building, Room 325. Referrals can be made for specific situations that might require more focused long term counseling with local, outside professionals as necessary. Please contact 650.473.4023 to speak with the counselor.

LMS Contacts

List of 2 members.

SHP Contacts

List of 1 members.

Where Scholarship and Values Matter
Founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart, SHS is a Catholic, independent, co-ed day school for students in preschool through grade 12