School Counselor
Ella Ares
School-Wide Services Offered:
Counseling:
- Individual: 1-on-1 short term counseling service. Using strengths-based solutions and focused counseling. 4 sessions.
- Group: For students needing extra support with peers, belongingness, friendships, skill-building, etc.
- Group counseling
- Friendship groups
- Lunch bunch: peer connection/peer mediation
- Skill-building group
- Affinity Groups: Paw Pride & Student of Color groups
- Check-in/Breaks: 1-on-1 as needed support. This can be for problem-solving, de-escalation, taking a break, or using my calming corner. Students may use a Let’s Talk slip to arrange a meeting with the school counselor. Staff can also bring student to the counseling office with a counselor pass. The school counselors are also available to provide a safe space and offer relief for immediate concerns.
Guidance Classroom Lessons: These are interactive sessions to support students in developing essential life skills and fostering positive behaviors. These lessons cover a range of topics such as empathy, conflict resolution, character education, study skills, social skills, career exploration, and more. These lessons are designed to promote a supportive school community where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Second Step Support: Bullying Prevention Unit, child Protection Unit, Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Optional SEL lessons
Consultation: Involves collaborative efforts to support student success. We wok closely with staff, families, and the community to address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional concerns affecting students. Through consultation, we provide guidance on effective interventions, behavior management strategies, and academic support plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. We strive to create a supportive school environment where every student can reach their full potential and be their best, authentic selves.
Other Roles:
- McKinney-Vento (MKV) Building Point of Contact
- 504 Building Coordinator
- Family Support Liaison
- SEL Liaison
How to connect with the school counselor:
- To schedule a call, meeting or connection, please email me at erares@seattleschools.org.
- You may also fill out the Montlake Counseling Referral Form if you want to refer your student to the school counselor.
FAQ:
Why do students see the school counselor?
Students may see the school counselor for various reasons including academic struggles, social/friendship issues, emotional concerns, family problems, career exploration, and personal development. The counselor is here to provide support through the services offered (see above) and help students navigate challenges to succeed in school and beyond.
Are counseling sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of counseling. Information shared with the counselor is generally kept confidential unless there is a safety concern or legal obligation to disclose information. If a student presents a concern of harm to themselves or others, or if there is a risk of harm or danger from someone else, confidentiality may be broken. Additionally, if the student or their family gives permission to share relevant information with stakeholders or outside providers, confidentiality may also be breached.
What type of issues can I discuss with the school counselor?
You may discuss a wide range of issues to the school counselor concerning the student’s emotional well-being and mental health. This includes academic challenges, social difficulties, family concerns, emotional struggles, college and career planning, and more. The counselor is here to help with any issue impacting your well-being and success.
What resources are available through the school counseling office?
The school counselor has a bunch of resources. Here are some that I typically share to families:
Mental Health:
Seattle Public School Mental Health Program
SPS Space and Welcoming Schools Resources
SPS Mental Health Education Support
Seattle Children’s Mental Health Resources
Learn and practice mindfulness techniques
Anxiety:
Handout for Caregivers on Child and Teen Anxiety
The Whole Brain Child Refrigerator Sheet
Anxiety Education for Caregivers
Books:
Seattle Public Library Fiction Books for Kids on Mental Health
NAMI Mental Health Books for Children, Teens, and their Parents
If what you are looking for is not on this list, please reach out to me through email.
What should I do in a crisis situation or emergency?
In case of an emergency or crisis situation, please contact emergency services (911) or utilize emergency protocols established by the school. For urgent but non-emergency counseling needs, please contact the counselor directly during office hours.
Crisis Supports:
Crisis Connections (24hr support)
Families can access the Children’s Crisis Outreach Response System through Crisis Connections
866-427-4747
Crisis Text Line (24hr support)
Texting support for times of crisis. Provides resources on topics like isolation, anxiety, depression, substance use, eating disorders, bullying, relationships, suicide, and self-harm.
Text HOME to 741-741
Facebook chat: Go to Crisis Text Line and message HOME (24Hr Support)
Teen volunteers are trained to listen to your concerns and talk with you about whatever’s on your mind – bullying, drug and alcohol concerns, relationships, stress, depression or any other issues you’re facing. No issue is too big or too small! Calls and chats are confidential.
1-866-teenlink (833-6546)
Call, Text, and chat available
Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24 hour support)
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
1-800-273-8255