Dear school counselors,
This morning I felt compelled to write each of you a quick thank you note to remind you of all the amazing work you are doing as a school counselor. As you know today's teens are hurting, confused, and often feel hopeless. In the midst of everything going on in student's lives at school, YOU more often than not, are someone's safe place, someone's guiding voice, someone's sacred space of confidentiality, and perhaps someone's life saver.
I know it's easy to get discouraged in the daily grind of all the many duties you perform, but take it from a therapist in private practice who receives many of your referrals, often you do not get to hear the respect and gratitude these teens express in my office for your care, guidance, and encouragement. Although I am in private practice, I have always seen helping teens and finding effective solutions and interventions as a "team effort".
Who is on the team? The student, the parents (sometimes :/ ), you the school counselor, psychiatrists or doctors, the individual therapist, support groups, as well as natural community supports. I want to encourage each of you because many times it is YOU who are on the front lines of intervention referring to an effective support team, influencing parents towards pursuing the help they need for their child, and providing that initial confidence to a struggling teen that things can get better. Many times your care and support translates into a young person's life as... THERE IS HOPE!
Again, thank you for what many times may feel like a thankless job. I know I am one of many therapists in our community, but on behalf of all of the therapists' in private practice, I'd like to give a HUGE thank you for all you do!
Christian T. Hill, MA
This morning I felt compelled to write each of you a quick thank you note to remind you of all the amazing work you are doing as a school counselor. As you know today's teens are hurting, confused, and often feel hopeless. In the midst of everything going on in student's lives at school, YOU more often than not, are someone's safe place, someone's guiding voice, someone's sacred space of confidentiality, and perhaps someone's life saver.
I know it's easy to get discouraged in the daily grind of all the many duties you perform, but take it from a therapist in private practice who receives many of your referrals, often you do not get to hear the respect and gratitude these teens express in my office for your care, guidance, and encouragement. Although I am in private practice, I have always seen helping teens and finding effective solutions and interventions as a "team effort".
Who is on the team? The student, the parents (sometimes :/ ), you the school counselor, psychiatrists or doctors, the individual therapist, support groups, as well as natural community supports. I want to encourage each of you because many times it is YOU who are on the front lines of intervention referring to an effective support team, influencing parents towards pursuing the help they need for their child, and providing that initial confidence to a struggling teen that things can get better. Many times your care and support translates into a young person's life as... THERE IS HOPE!
Again, thank you for what many times may feel like a thankless job. I know I am one of many therapists in our community, but on behalf of all of the therapists' in private practice, I'd like to give a HUGE thank you for all you do!
Christian T. Hill, MA
