The St. John Neumann counseling program focuses on meeting the developmental needs of students through the use of classroom guidance, small groups and individual counseling. The program is spiritually based, preventive, educational and comprehensive. Six main themes are reflected in the program:
- Teaching students to recognize that they are temples of the Holy Spirit and that their bodies, minds, and spirits need to be cared for and treated with respect.
- Teaching students to take responsibility for their actions.
- Instilling the concept of mutual respect and tolerance.
- Training in basic life-management skills: communication, decision-making, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
- Training in study skills and learning strategies to help children experience success in school.
- Passing on the belief that students who feel good about themselves and have positive relationships with others achieve more and are more successful both in and out of school.
The Peace Education Foundation publishes the texts used by the children. They focus on self-esteem, decision-making, conflict resolution, cooperation, responsibility, and respect/tolerance. Units also teach children about how to prevent and deal with bullying incidents.
As part of our program, small group counseling sessions will also be offered. Friendship groups meet twice a week where children learn how to get along with others and become more adept at interpersonal relationships. Students may sign up for these groups with the counselor or can be referred by parents or teachers. Individual counseling is also available and will be based on parent, teacher or self-referral.