How does a student get to talk to the Counselor?

· The STUDENT may refer himself or herself by telling his / her teacher or the counselor.

· The PARENTS may ask the counselor to talk to their child.

· The TEACHER or PRINCIPAL may ask the counselor to talk with a student.

· The COUNSELOR may invite a child to her office if she hears the child is worried or concerned about something.

· Other STUDENTS will sometimes alert the counselor about friends or classmates they are concerned about.

What do counseling sessions look like?

Individual Counseling  - A student can discuss issues in a safe, positive, and confidential setting.  Topics are based on the needs of the student and may include: feelings, changing families, peer pressure, friends, stress, academics, social skills, academics, bullying, getting along with others, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Small Group Counseling - The counselor invites 5-7 students who share common concerns to meet as a group on a weekly basis.  Some of these student concerns may include dealing with anger, making and being a good friend, divorce, death, responding appropriately to adult authority (parents and teachers), etc.

Classroom Guidance/Classroom Counseling - These classroom lessons address personal, social, academic, and career-related needs at the child's developmental level.  Topics may include self-esteem, conflict resolution, study skills, anger management, career awareness, tattling/reporting, friendship/social skills, responsibility, respect, teasing/bullying, feelings, cooperation, goal setting/decision-making, and peer pressure. 

Karen Braddy

Counselor

karen.braddy@toombs.k12.ga.us

Mrs. Braddy is a graduate of Reidsville High School.  Before coming to the Toombs County school system she worked in the social work field with the Department of Family and Children Services. She then worked as a primary school counselor at JD Dickerson and Sally Meadows Primary School in Vidalia.  She has been an employee of the Toombs County school system since 2013.  She has been a high school counselor at Toombs County High School and now serves as counselor at Toombs County Middle School.  Mrs. Braddy received her B.A. in Psychology from Brewton Parker.  She received her Masters of Guidance Counseling from the University of West Alabama.  She received her Education Specialist degree at Georgia Southern University.