The goal of St. Martin's developmental counseling program is to aid students in meeting the challenges of modern life secure in the knowledge of themselves, the world around them, and the skills to formulate, articulate, and actualize their uniqueness.
The counseling program adheres to the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) guidelines in order to help students focus on academic, career, and social/emotional development. This model helps to ensure that students will be able to achieve success in school and will be prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.
Two full-time, Licensed Professional Counselors provide counseling services to all St. Martin's and George Cottage students, including:
- Individual counseling, group counseling, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and family counseling
- Classroom Guidance (Life Skills) lessons on a broad range of topics, including: Empathy, friendships, handling and expressing feelings, conflict resolution, goal setting, bullying/cyberbullying, social skills, problem solving, self-esteem, mindfulness, stress management, sportsmanship, responsibility, leadership, gender and sexuality diversity, coping skills, decision making, social media, etc.
- Peer support activities by training Middle School students to perform character-building activities with Lower School students
- Weekly Student Support Team meetings with Lower, Middle, and Upper School faculty members
- Consultations and various meetings with parents, administration, teachers, and staff
- Individual and community referrals and resources based upon student and/or family needs
- Educational presentations to parents and faculty members
- Guest speaker presentations
- Special events such as Citizenship Awareness and Random Acts of Kindness Week