Counseling
Childhood and adolescence can be stressful and overwhelming at times. Young people may have worries or problems that are difficult for them to sort through on their own. A counselor will help students address these concerns that may be affecting their behavior and school-work.
- A school counselor is someone who understands the issues young people face with growing up and developing as a person, making choices, improving relationships and coping with transition and changes.
- Students know they can trust the counselor to work collaboratively to find a way to aid in their personal growth.
- Some students worry that seeing the counselor means they can't cope or that others will think they are in trouble.
- A school counselor is there to try and create a positive environment for everyone.
contact us
- 49th Street (3-year-old - Grade 3): Lia Stallworth, lstallworth@isind.org, +1.317.923.1951 Ext 125
- Blackwell Building (Grades 4-7): Renza Leich, rleich@isind.org, +1.317.923.1951 Ext 215
- Taurel Building (Grades 8-12): Nicole Detrick, ndetrick@isind.org, +1.317.923.1951 Ext 317
How can the school counselor help?
- Talking to a counselor can enhance self-esteem and help young people cope in school more effectively. If something is worrying a student they will tell the counselor their thoughts and feelings.
- The counselor will listen and discuss possible solutions with them.
- The counselor may provide the students with information but will avoid giving advice or trying to impose values on them.
- Students know that the counselor will not judge them and that all conversations are confidential unless the counselor feels that the student is in danger of harming themselves or others.
- At ISI the counseling rooms are quiet, comfortable and easily accessible place where students can sit and talk without being disturbed.
- The counselor will visit all the secondary homerooms to meet all the students.
- The counselor also liaises with the Upper School Principal, Assistant Principals, Dean of Students, Heads of Departments and Homeroom Teachers.
How does a student get to see a school counselor?
- Students can stop in any time.
- If the counselor is not available, the students can make an appointment to meet with them.
- Students are encouraged to check in periodically with the counselor even if there isn't a pressing issue to discuss.
- Students can visit the counselor individually or in small groups. A group meeting may allow students to feel more comfortable in their initial session when something is bothering them and they need to talk.
- Appointments last for 30 minutes and a student will not miss the same lesson on a regular basis.
- The teacher of the student's lesson will be notified about the absence, and appointments will be rearranged to avoid students missing tests or assessments.
What issues can school counselors help with?
- Personal/Social/Emotional issues: family problems, stress, illness, loss or bereavement, difficulties with friendship or teasing/bullying, transition to a new school and other changes, anger or mood swings, drug use or eating problems or problems with cultural values and expectations.
- Educational/Academic issues: study skills, organization and scheduling, relationships with teachers and other students.
How can a parent or guardian support counseling within the school?
- If a teacher is concerned about a student they will pass a referral form to the Assistant Principal or Dean of Students who will liaise with the counselor and if necessary with the Upper School Principal. If it is a serious concern, you will be contacted and your child may be instructed to arrange an appointment with the counselor so the issues can be discussed.
- It will help your child if you accept counselling as a normal and useful activity, and show an interest if they want to talk to you about it.
- Your child may or may not want to discuss openly the on goings of their counselling sessions.
- Have patience, counselling is not a magic solution, and will take time to explore possible outcomes and goals of treatment.