The Counseling Department is committed to providing
compassionate, confidential care and social-emotional support to our students. We offer a comprehensive program to proactively address the stress and anxiety young women face today, and we equip all students with tools and resources to learn more about themselves and the impact they will make on our world. In addition to personal, confidential counseling and advocacy, we also offer a variety of opportunities for the girls to grow both academically and emotionally.
We offer a
Brain Break each quarter at exam time to de-stress and have fun. Our large group guidance sessions include education about maintaining healthy friendships, communication, and personal safety, and we offer optional therapeutic small groups addressing
grief, wellness, and organizational skills. We also mentor our student-led Mental Health Alliance, assisting our students with advocacy efforts and meeting each month to plan activities and educational sessions.
The
Freshman Seminar class, required in the freshman year, targets
mental health education, school-readiness skills, and cultural intelligence. The class provides a safe forum for students to learn about and discuss current and relevant topics impacting their social-emotional and academic development. Each weekly topic offers education through a speaker, counselor-led discussion in a small group, and community outreach activities. Topics include: study skills; suicide prevention; marginalization; feminism and racism; body image; anxiety; and stress management.
Saint Ursula Academy Counseling utilizes the
SOS Signs of Suicide data-validated program through Mindwise Innovations to provide suicide prevention programming each year to each student, as well as regular risk assessments to ensure the health and safety of each student. For students requiring greater support, we confidentially provide students and families with appropriate referrals, both to our school psychologist and/or outside counseling resources.