School Counseling

Lovett was founded with an emphasis on developing and supporting whole child wellness. In alignment with the mission, purpose, and core values of the School, the Lower School’s school psychologist and counselor prioritize student social and emotional development. Through individual counseling, small groups, classroom guidance lessons, programs, speakers, and parent partnerships, the school psychologist and counselor identify and address personal, social, and academic needs. The guidance and counseling program in the Lower School strives to serve the needs of all students.

Through individual meetings, small groups, classroom guidance lessons, programs, speakers, and parent partnerships, the counselors identify and address the personal, social, and academic needs of all Middle School students.

As part of our wellness initiative, all students participate in classroom guidance lessons throughout their three years of Middle School. Guidance classes give us an opportunity to do proactive work with our students and develop and build upon their social-emotional resilience and skills. These classes provide a bridge to building and strengthening our relationships with the students. Our guidance program varies in each grade as our students are in distinct places developmentally. Topics for our guidance classes include kindness, effective communication, conflict resolution, self-esteem, healthy versus unhealthy friendships/relationships, managing stress and emotions, positive body image, and helping a friend. 

Middle School counselors are also in charge of overseeing our advisory program. The advisory program connects each Middle School student with a faculty member who is supportive, invested, and knowledgeable about the student’s overall experience during the school year. It also helps increase communication between teachers, parents, and students.

Partnering with our parents is pivotal in the success of our students. Our doors are open to our students and families as we support them through the successes and challenges that come alongside adolescent life transitions. 

Counseling Program Overview

• Encourage and facilitate the development of self
• Promote access and equity for all students
• Connect students and families to campus and community resources
• Support mental wellness
• Increase student interpersonal skills
• Support managing emotions
• Assist with problem-solving with peers

Upper School counselors provide opportunities and support for strengthening social and emotional development, deepening connections with each other, and appreciating each individual's unique self.

Opportunities for students include short-term individual counseling, small group counseling, workshops, student orientations, and Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL). Through PAL, selected students explore their personal development and train in the areas of accountability, communication, change negotiation, team building, influence, organization, and the facilitation/teaching of small groups. The primary role of PALs is to help ninth grade students adjust to life in the Upper School, including orientation, regular advisory visits, small group academic follow-ups, and various social events throughout the year. PALs also befriend new students and are available to peers who want to discuss personal issues. 

In addition, counselors work with faculty to offer classroom lessons with research-based curricula. Counselors liaison with community professionals to offer referrals for long-term support for students and connect with the community by arranging parent coffees, programs and visiting speakers, and consultations with parents and faculty.

Counseling Program Overview

• Encourage and facilitate the development of self
• Promote access and equity for all students
• Connect students and families to campus and community resources
• Support mental wellness
• Increase student interpersonal skills
• Support managing emotions
• Assist with problem-solving with peers