School Counseling

School Counselors

Courtney Bernsen
1st, 3rd, and 5th grades
cbernsen@k12albemarle.org
434-974-7777 ext. 21317

Rosemary Moriarty
Kindergarten, 2nd and 4th grades
rmoriarty@k12albemarle.org
434-974-7777 ext. 21308

The school counseling program is an integral part of the total educational process and is a shared responsibility of the entire school community. The professional school counselor collaborates with other school professionals in helping students learn. A successful program requires the support and participation of all school personnel, parents, guardians, outside agencies, and the community at large.

ACPS Elementary School Counseling Program

ACPS Counselor, Educator, Advocate Supporting the Whole Child graphic

Individual Counseling

Counseling is developmental and is designed to help students develop an understanding of themselves or others, define goals, and resolve conflict. We DO NOT do psychotherapy or other techniques used in a clinical setting or any that focus on mental illness. Students may self-refer by leaving a note or parents or teachers may request that we see a child to discuss a particular concern. We see students individually anywhere from one time to several weeks, depending on the topic. We do not see a student more than twice on one issue without contacting parents.

Group Counseling

Sometimes students who share a common concern find it helpful to meet together to share ideas and support. Possible group topics are Grief, Divorce or Family Change, Social Skills, Friendship, Drugs / Alcohol Prevention, Violence Prevention, Problem-Solving, Anger, Study Skills, Career Exploration, and Classroom Issues. We do not place students in groups without parent permission.

Small group counseling is dependent upon current COVID restrictions in ACPS.

Classroom Counseling

Each class receives classroom Guidance lessons for one or more units each year. Guidance activities are designed to help students succeed and get along in the classroom. Guidance lessons are intended for all students and do not require students to reveal any personal information.

Parents may review materials to be used in any School Counseling program by contacting us. It is the policy of the Albemarle County School Board with respect to personal/social counseling that parents must notify the School Division in writing if the student is not to participate in any such counseling program. We invite parents to contact us with concerns or questions at any time.

Classroom counseling is dependent upon current COVID restrictions in ACPS.