Personal Counselling

At ACS we believe that our students have a God-given desire to connect within their community. We believe that students need to know that they count; that they are significant and their voice matters. When these two are strong, it leads to feeling competent: a greater sense of confidence in their ability to achieve their best (i.e. academically, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially).

“When I count, when I connect, I am confident, and this leads to competence!”

Our goal is to foster this holistic development in each ACS student, thus maximizing their achievement. Counselling support is therefore available for students struggling with anxiety, depression, and/or stressors related to family, school, and friends.

QUESTIONS?

Majority of students who seek counselling prefer an individual one-on-one approach with the counsellor. Counselling may also be done in a group setting, or with the student and a trusted adult (such as a teacher or other support staff).

A student requiring support may self-refer through our intake page. Student referral can also be initiated by a family member, or by any ACS staff. Students can also make referrals in person by visiting Mrs. Johanna Smith in the Student Learning Centre. Students may be asked to fill out a consent form.

Following a referral for counselling, the student will be required to meet with the counsellor to determine the level of support the student needs. Any of the following recommendations can be made after this initial meeting:

  • Maximum of 6-8 individual counselling sessions to address the presenting problem
  • Family counselling
  • A school-based team approach will address the relevant challenges. This will involve sharing pertinent information with the appropriate school staff to maximize student support.
  • Follow-up with an external agency for long-term support.

Note: Counselling sessions often occur within the office; however, some students find meeting with the counsellor outside of the SLC is more helpful. Do not hesitate to let us know about your meeting preference.

To schedule an appointment please contact Mrs. Johanna Smith.

If you happen to miss your appointment, please stop by the SLC or email Mrs. Johanna Smith to have it rescheduled.

You may re-refer to the counselling program after if you require additional support after you have completed your allotted number of sessions. You will, however, be wait-listed if there are other students waiting for support.