FOR SCHOOLS

Counseling 

I am available as a mental health counselor for students of all ages in a school setting. I offer individual counseling sessions for students encountering mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, school-related stress, social anxiety, cultural adjustments, transitions, and more. I also support students in the context of conversations exploring LGBTQIA+ and personal identity.  

Every situation is unique and the approach and timeline will vary based on the individual case and presenting needs.. My primary approach is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is a structured and evidence-based approach to understanding the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT can be combined with other forms of talk therapy and you can read more about it here. 

Mindfulness practices, such as breathing exercises, visualization exercises, and meditation have shown evidence of relieving stress and anxiety in people of all ages, and particularly in children. Positive Psychology is the field of psychology focused on understanding one’s strengths and applying them to all areas of one’s life.  I integrate these approaches into my practice, depending on needs and interest. 

I believe that every individual has the capacity for positive growth and change. With support, effort, and time, young people can overcome the challenges they encounter to live lives of meaning, purpose, and joy.

Program Development 

I have eighteen years of counseling experience in some of the world’s most dynamic and international school communities in Japan, China, and New York City, USA. Not only have I gained a diverse range of experience and skills at those schools, I have helped to shape and develop their counseling programs to be among the most comprehensive and robust in the world.

I can support schools as they integrate Social-Emotional Learning skills and understandings into their curriculum and school experience. Cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse and inclusive environments is integral to my practice and approach. to I have expertise in Vertical Articulation and Scope and Sequence for Early Learning through grade 12 school settings, utilizing standards and best practices developed by the International School Counseling Association (ISCA), the American School Counseling Association (ASCA), the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) as well as several other national and international curricula. 

Positive Communication in the Classroom - Teacher Support and development

Positive discipline and positive communication communication in the classroom has the aim of developing mutually respectful relationships between teachers and children through clear, firm, and kind communication. It encourages teachers to understand the needs of the child by looking for the underlying belief that is causing the behavior. All behavior is communication, and so most likely any “misbehaviors” are communicating something very important about a child’s needs. Positive discipline is neither punitive nor permissive and is focused on effective communication, problem-solving, and finding solutions. It utilizes encouragement–rather than praise–by focusing on effort and improvement. This builds long-lasting skills that foster self-esteem, empowerment, and a growth mindset.

Training is provided through experiential activities that create opportunities to practice new skills. The teaching style encourages taking perspective sing gaining empathy for both adults and and children navigating a complex world full of challenges. When all teachers in a community are trained in positive communication in the classroom, students encounter a secure and consistent environment as it relates to discipline, which fosters positive behavior and encourages deeper learning by allowing for more vulnerability and positive risk-taking. Children feel a sense of belonging and learn valuable social and life skills. 

getting started

Online sessions and email availability can be arranged as well.

For more information, please inquire by visiting the contact page.