School Counseling Program
School Counselors, Ms. Bird and new Counselor Ms. Xio, are excited to welcome new and returning families! Our mission is to provide students a safe and supportive environment to express themselves, overcome obstacles, and gain self-confidence to reach their academic and personal goals. Counseling services are confidential and available to all students to include short-term individual/family counseling and small groups.
Last school year, the Counseling Program provided 577 individual counseling sessions to 101 different students (this number does not include groups or class lessons). We are even prouder to share that 35% of students seen were self-referrals! It is inspiring to see students advocating for themselves, making mental health a priority, and breaking down mental health stigmas.
Individual Counseling
The School Counselors work to empower and equip students with skills to overcome challenges many children and teens face including: low self-esteem, stress management, learning challenges, anxiety, depression, regulating intense emotions, grief & loss, family changes, divorce, anger management, and/or crisis situations. Parents, staff, and students can make referrals for short-term individual counseling sessions by contacting Lead Counselor, Ms. Bird at [email protected]. Individual counseling sessions are kept confidential and are held in the Counselor's office on campus. Counseling appointment times/days are coordinated with the student and teacher(s) and ideally are held during non-academic times throughout the school day. School counseling services are not intended as a substitute for psychological counseling, clinical therapy, diagnosis, or medication; however, the Counselor can assist families in finding the best suited licensed provider off campus. So whether the problem your student faces is big or small, taking a small step to meet with the Counselor is a great place to start!
Group Counseling
A wide variety of small groups are provided to both the Upper and Lower Division students throughout the school year. Some groups are open to all students and are created to foster community and build friendships. However, some small groups are created for a specialized need and are reserved for referred students who may experience specific challenges to build skills such as: anger management, conflict resolution, anxiety/stress management, and social/friendship skills.
There is no cost for counseling services provided at GHCDS.
School Counselors
Mrs. Alea Bird is a licensed clinical Social Worker and has worked as GHCDS Counselor for three years and is contracted through Island Therapy Solutions where she has worked for 5 years providing individual therapy, family therapy, groups, and parent training. Prior, she worked in a school district in Atlanta serving three high-need schools and previously ran a non-profit after-school program and summer camp.
This year, GHCDS welcomes Ms. Xiomara "Xio" Sanchez, Licensed Professional Counselor. Ms. Xio has worked as a therapist for more than 15 years in settings including substance abuse clinics, outpatient mental health clinics, the Department of Education, and a psychiatric hospital. Her focus has been on working with depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, as well as survivors of abuse.
Counselor Xio Sanchez, LPC will be available on Thursdays, on campus.
Three Fun Facts:
- She likes to skydive and is a roller coaster enthusiast
- She was born in Puerto Rico and is fluent in Spanish
- She is an alumna of St. Croix Country Day School, Class of '94