Counselling

What is counselling?

Counselling is a safe and comfortable space where pupils can share about their thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental environment. The school counsellor works together with the pupils to manage their social, emotional and behavioural issues.

Who may benefit from counselling?

Pupils who face social, emotional and/or behavioural issues may request to speak to the school counsellor. At times, referrals are made by year heads, teachers or parents if they feel that specialised intervention is required. Parent consent will be obtained before the first counselling session. Examples of counselling issues include (but are not limited to) peer relationship problems, grief and loss, examination stress, anger management and anxiety issues.

What happens during counselling?

During the first few sessions, the school counsellor will build rapport with the pupil and gather information of the presenting issue. From then on, the school counsellor will work with the pupils in managing the issue by teaching coping skills, sharing problem-solving strategies, provide psychoeducation and facilitating pupils’ self-reflection.

If the school counsellor ascertains that the pupil requires more intensive intervention, she may refer the case to professional agencies such as REACH and Family Services Centres for their necessary action.

Resources

Calming Techniques

• Deep breathing

Take a deep breath in gradually, hold breath for 4 seconds then breathe out slowly.

• Sticky fingers

Press your fingers together as tightly as possible and push hard for 20 seconds (count slowly), then allow your hands to come apart. Repeat this action until you feel the tension leave your body.

• Self-hug

Wrap your arms around your own body and hug yourself, take deep breath in and squeeze self tightly, hold breath and count to 5 then relax and blow out slowly through mouth while imagining tension leaving your body.

Processing Incidents using ‘Stop, Think, Do’

• Stop

Stop what I am doing, take a deep breath and count to 10.

• Think

Think about my options:

1. Say what I am angry about in a calm way
2. Walk away for now
3. Seek help from a trusted adult

• Do

Carry out my best choice(s).

Counselling Helplines