At St. Bernard Academy, your child’s well-being is our priority, which is why we offer a school counselor who is available to provide services for the social, emotional, and behavioral development of all students in Junior Kindergarten through 8th Level.

For more information or to contact our school counselor, Melissa Lawmaster, click here.

Services Provided

Classroom Support

The School Counselor is available for classroom educational support at all levels, facilitating conversations and lessons on topics such as the following:

• Emotional regulation
• Digital citizenship 
• Social skills
• Coping skills 
• Conflict resolution 
• Managing stress
• Empathy
• Peer pressure
   

Group Counseling

Group counseling will be initiated based on the shared issues and needs of individuals within a grade or developmental level. Parental consent is required for participation in counseling groups. Common group topics may include: bullying, divorce, diverse families, social skills, relationships, stress or anxiety, and grief.

Additionally, GIRLS Groups will be facilitated by the School Counselor for Levels 5-8 on an as needed basis. Through a safe and encouraging environment, the group will discuss important and timely issues, such as self-esteem, empowerment, communication, and friendship. 
 

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling is utilized as needed, in a crisis situation, or facilitated over a short or long period of time throughout the year. The need for in-school counseling support is determined by whether a particular issue is interfering with a student’s school functioning. 

The following issues may be appropriate for individual school counseling:

• Emotional regulation
• Grief/loss
• Anxiety
• Social skills
• Depression
• Unexplained change in behavior
• ADHD skills training
• Family concerns or changes
• Friendships/relationships