Counseling Support
The GDS School Counseling Program is dedicated to providing comprehensive, accessible, and personalized support for every student.
With a team of six counselors, two per division, we address the social, emotional, and personal needs of students and foster a positive school environment where community, collaboration, and mutual respect are guiding forces. We prioritize learning, social responsibility, and holistic child/adolescent development, and help students build skills to work together and support one another. Our counselors are committed to equipping students with the tools and skills necessary for success, both in and out of school.
How We Help
GDS’s school counselors support students through:
- Individual and group support
- Conflict resolution
- Crisis management and intervention
- Ongoing support and coaching
- Consultation with faculty and staff, parents, outside mental health professionals, and others
- Advocacy for students and families
- Referrals to community mental health resources
- Division-specific services that include teaching classes, leading community activities, facilitating programs, and more
LOWER SCHOOL
In the Lower School, counselors teach Health and Wellness lessons based on standards identified by CASEL and Learning for Justice’s Social Justice Standards, that include intra- and interpersonal skill development, identity, and problem solving. Individual and group counseling is a consistent part of their work and in second grade, the counselor provides specialized programming with Roots of Empathy. In fourth grade, students have a focus on leadership development through LEAD (Leading with Empathy, Acting with Compassion, Demonstrating Care) and the counselor contributes to the development and implementation of training and activities for students as leaders in the division.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
In the Middle School, counselors teach Health and focus on mental health and wellness. In addition, they support advisors in incorporating Social Emotional Learning skills during advisories. Counselors contribute to the daily life of the division and engage with students informally and more formally through recess, clubs and, lunch groups, as well as through individual and other more personalized work.
HIGH SCHOOL
The High School counseling team provides individualized support, following the lead of students in helping them to determine what’s helpful and seeking to empower them to access therapeutic supports. The team also hosts groups throughout the academic year that focus on social skills, building healthy relationships, grief, divorce, anxiety and coping skills. The counselors partner with the Learning Specialists and Health department to implement programming that normalizes healthy decision making and mental health awareness.