Counseling

Westview’s Therapeutic model is informed by principles of the Neurosequential Model of Education (NME).  NME is a research-based, developmentally informed approach to working with students who struggle with social and emotional challenges.  Best practices consider a child’s history and current functioning to understand behavior. Our model’s primary goal is to foster positive relationships as well as a meaningful learning experience. The therapeutic team collaborates with the educational team in an effort to develop interventions which support emotional regulation in the classroom.  NME supports a student’s positive engagement in their program by teaching strategies of emotional regulation. Therapists provide individual and group counseling sessions as outlined by student IEP’s to address counseling goals. With this approach to understanding behavior, we strive to cultivate a learning environment that is respectful, relevant (developmentally matched) and rewarding.

Many students benefit from additional clinical services in order to fully access the curriculum. Westview recognizes this need and provides on-site, licensed clinicians who deliver Occupational Therapy, Language and Speech Therapy, or Counseling Services as indicated on a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or private contract.

These supports are provided during the day making this a unique model of service delivery that affords students the opportunity to learn and practice strategies within the context of a one on one or a small group setting and then apply them in the environment. Clinicians work closely with faculty and staff to schedule sessions at a convenient time for the student.

Each of these services provides skill or strategy instruction, modeling and practice, and ongoing assessment all with the intent to improve how a child approaches academic, social or physical challenges.

Counseling is an integral component of the Westview program. We believe therapeutic support through individual and group counseling is beneficial to the overall success of our students. Westview’s therapeutic model is informed by principles of the Neurosequential Model of Education (NME).

Each counseling relationship supports related goals, which may include:

• Improving the ability to tolerate frustration, manage anxiety, and control impulsivity
• Teach self-advocacy skills
• Learning how to make responsible choices
• Developing pro-social communication and relational skills
• Building feelings of efficacy and self-reliance

As needed, our counselors may help students with conflict resolution, assisting them in utilizing supportive resources, and developing problem-solving perspectives and strategies.