Students in the high school years continue their developmental task of “individuation” – the forming and refining of personal identity and beliefs. Moving further away from the family, and with support from peers, teens increasingly look for independence and, indeed, are expected to work toward autonomy as students. They need to be the master of their own ship, navigating the demands of their academic, extracurricular, social and family worlds. Although most students (and parents!) greet this process with enthusiasm, it also comes with considerable stress and unforeseen responsibilities.
At school and in the world at large, success relies on competencies that are social and emotional as well as academic. The high school years are a balancing act of freedom and control, where such critical traits as confidence, resiliency, empathy, and responsibility are tested. GFA encourages this integrated education through curriculum, school-wide initiatives and community service. The Upper School Counselor supports these efforts in various ways, depending on the needs and circumstances of each student and/or his family. Classes, counseling groups, and individual counseling are available. All freshman students enroll in a Coping Strategies class, which meets once weekly for twelve weeks. This seminar targets developmental issues and difficulties and explores substance abuse and other risky behaviors, healthy dating, and conflict resolution, among other topics. Students also may see the counselor on an individual basis to address both short-term problems and longer term issues. Referral comes in many ways: a concerned teacher, parent or friend may refer, or a student may self-refer. Confidentiality – a crucial part of a successful student-counselor interaction – is always discussed with the student and the person making the referral. The school counselor is also the faculty sponsor of Peer Support, a club charged with identifying and increasing awareness of topics pertinent to the US student community.
Contact info:
Elizabeth S. Day, LPC
Middle and Upper School Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor
203-256-7550 (cell 667-4764)
eday@gfacademy.org