School Counseling

Sayre School’s counseling program includes student education and counseling, parent and teacher education and consultation regarding students, and referral to resources in the community, as needed.  The School Counselor serves as an advocate for students in their academic, social, personal, and emotional development.

Mrs. Nicole Garrett, LMFT, is the School Counselor for all divisions. She designs the services of the school counseling program to meet the ages and developmental levels of students. Mrs. Garrett strives to be a supportive presence across divisions, so students and their families will feel comfortable and confident in seeking assistance from her, as needed. Discretion in meeting with the counselor, which is a particular concern for older students, is emphasized and student confidentiality is protected.

In the Lower School, Mrs. Garrett makes regular visits to classes, providing classroom guidance on such topics as friendship, emotions, self-awareness, and coping skills. Mrs. Garrett also serves as a resource for teachers and parents, offering education and consultation to assist individuals or groups of students. Furthermore, Mrs. Garrett provides individual counseling to Lower School students by parent, teacher, or student self-referral, and keeps in contact with parents regarding their children’s use of this service.

Individual counseling becomes a greater component of student support in Middle School, when academic and social opportunities and challenges increase. Additionally, Mrs. Garrett works with a team to provide the Human Development curriculum across the grades, oversees education on mental health and suicide prevention, and coordinates the drug and alcohol education and prevention program for 6th-8th graders. Mrs. Garrett frequently communicates with Middle School parents in support of their children.

For Upper School students, autonomy is a more salient part of their participation in individual counseling. Mrs. Garrett receives a greater number of self-referrals in this division, compared to the younger levels, and students have a stronger voice in how they utilize the service. Upper School students’ individual meetings are treated as confidential, except for special circumstances outlined in the student handbook. School counseling services for Upper School Students also include coordination of depression awareness and suicide prevention, and the drug and alcohol education and prevention program, as well as efforts to build relationships with students in a number of ways, not just those that are problem-focused.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Sayre School’s school counseling program, please contact Mrs. Garrett at (859) 244-2734 or ngarrett@sayreschool.org.

For assistance when Mrs. Garrett is not available or during a crisis, please make use of the following national and local resources: