Personal Counseling

Updates

Overview

The counseling program at Georgetown Visitation focuses on the specific developmental needs of each grade level. Our counselors work to involve all parts of the school community-students, parents, faculty and administrators-in fostering the well-being of every student. Together the two personal counselors and two college counselors spearhead a comprehensive program which serves the needs of our students through group and individual meetings.

Visitation’s Counseling Program operates from a wellness model that addresses intellectual, spiritual, creative, physical, and social components of the whole person using reflection, discussion, and activities. Through education, prevention and intervention, Visitation’s counselors work to foster healthy adolescent development and to assist all Visitation students in becoming well-adjusted, successful young women. We emphasize a collaborative approach with families, and parents of Visitation students should feel free to contact personal counselors at any time, whether regarding day to day matters or more serious concerns. We provide confidential and continuing support for students and families to explore areas of personal issues, challenges, and dilemmas. While working cooperatively with parents, faculty, administrators, and other counselors, we strive to create positive relationships with our students through short-term individual counseling, freshman and sophomore counseling groups, and programming and speakers offered throughout the year based on the needs of the school community.

"Have patience with all things, But, first of all with yourself."
                 St. Francis de Sales

Beginning with Freshman Orientation, the personal counselors provide activities to introduce new students to the traditions and expectations of the school. During her first year, each freshman participates in weekly group sessions focusing on social and academic adjustment issues, friendships, peer pressure and making responsible choices. Freshmen also complete a unit on learning styles and study skill strategies designed to enhance their academic performance and success. An emphasis is placed on self-advocacy and gaining a better understanding of self and of relationships to others. Individual meetings with the freshman counselor provide an opportunity to discuss successes and concerns.

Sophomores meet every 10 days in small groups to build on the skills and knowledge generated in the Freshman Counseling groups and to take on even more developmentally appropriate topics. Discussions include handling increased academic expectations, time management, strategies for taking standardized tests, and specific issues related to high school life. Students also begin to explore career choices, a task that is facilitated by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which provides individual feedback about their interests and preferences as they prepare to explore their college options in their Junior year.

Juniors and Seniors remain connected to their personal counselor on an individual basis as they continue to get guidance and support with both academic and social matters. There is also an opportunity to stay involved with the Personal Counseling Department through various activities including the Mentor Program, Peer Educators Club, and school wide programming.

Overall, the personal counselors and college counselors play a complementary role in providing comprehensive efforts to promote student growth and leadership and to facilitate the definition and accomplishment of their educational, personal, and life goals.