Counseling Support for Faculty & Staff

Dear Faculty & Staff,

During this unpredictable and challenging time I wanted to reach out to you on behalf of the Counseling Department. As a parent of a Senior School student and as a Middle School faculty member, I see the tremendous effort being made to be present to our students – at times at the expense of your own families and your own mental health.

Claudine, Creighton, Katie and I have seen how many of you have become aware of specific challenges in individual households and have become emotional anchors for those students. You love your students and want to affirm them and reduce their anxieties.

This dedication can sometimes create more complications in your own personal lives and leave one vulnerable and feeling depleted. We all need to take care of ourselves and be open to asking for help.

All four counselors are available and ready to support you in any way needed. Please do not hesitate to reach out. We are willing to talk through any issues large or small, with faculty and staff.

In addition, here is a list of some of the supportive interventions we can provide:

Parenting and family support – Help you talk through difficult family/ marital situations and guide you to a therapeutic course of action

Consultation and/or referral to community providers – Assess your particular set of circumstances and help connect you with a specific therapist in the community

Crisis Management – Help you navigate a crisis situation in a safe manner

Safety Assessment in the context of psychological stress

Additionally, if you know of a faculty or staff member that is in need of support, feel free to confidentially let our department know.

And please reach out to any of our counselors at any time day or night for assistance or to set up an appointment.

Warmly,

Claudia

Director of Personal Counseling, Middle School Counselor

Claudia Henry, PhD

724-884-3845

chenry@shadysideacademy.org

Senior School Counselor

Creighton Runnette, LMHC