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Counseling

Jana Townsend

 

Welcome to RJ Richey Elementary!  I am Jana Townsend, School Counselor at RJ Richey.  I have been working as a school counselor since 2017 and have worked with all grade levels.  Previously, I was a high school Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher and FCCLA sponsor.  I hold a Bachelor's of Science in Human Sciences and a Master's of Science in Counseling Psychology from Tarleton State University.  My husband is a Burnet High School graduate, and I am a lifelong resident of Burnet County. I am honored to serve the students and families of RJ Richey Elementary!

 

Mrs. Jana Townsend, MS

Phone: 512-756-2609

[email protected]

What does a school counselor DO?

I work alongside teachers and parents to help students develop socially and emotionally, and to help remove any barriers they have to learning!


I provide:

  • Classroom lessons teaching social skills, how to take care of strong feelings, study skills, etc.

  • Small group counseling

  • Short-term individual counseling

  • Crisis intervention

  • Consultation with parents and teachers

  • Parent workshops

  • Community resource referrals (including longer term therapy services)

  • Schoolwide programming (Start with Hello Week, Red Ribbon Week etc.)

 

How can I support parents?

  • Helping to handle social or emotional concerns you have about your child

  • Improving parent-child communication

  • Family difficulties or concerns that affect your child at school

  • Referrals for community resources

  • Understanding the developmental changes of childhood 

  • Helping your child to be on time to school every day 

  • Discussing concerns about your child’s academic achievement

 

What types of things do I talk with students about in class lessons and in counseling?

  • Making and keeping friends

  • Setting goals 

  • Teamwork

  • Feeling good about yourself 

  • Making good choices

  • Being responsible

  • Managing strong feelings

  • Conflict resolution

 

How does a student see a school counselor?

  • Self-referral--forms are outside the counseling office

  • Parent referral--feel free to send me an email or call

  • Administrative, teacher, or other staff referral

  • Referral by friend(s)

 

***Confidentiality and your family’s privacy are important to me. What you or your child discuss with a counselor is private except in cases required by law (when abuse or neglect are suspected).***