Counselor's Corner

Mrs. Beth Henry, NCC, MS
Pastoral Counselor

Student Support Counselor

(703) 880-4323

[email protected]

 

Welcome Back!!
2025-2026
Let's make is a great year to grow in faith and friendship!!

❤️

Hi, I'm Beth Henry and I am looking forward to my seventh year as counselor at St. Joseph Catholic School and my tenth year in the Diocese. I'm in the classroom with our K-5 students for counseling lessons in topics like developing better friendships, managing big emotions and building resilience. I am available to meet with students from any grade level individually or in small groups. Lunch-bunch groups are also a fun, informal way for students to make new friendships. These lunchtime meetings are held in my office during students' regular lunch time. Prior to working in Catholic school counseling programs in the Diocese, I worked as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in a pastoral counseling group practice in Maryland.

 Our Counseling Program

The St. Joseph Catholic School counseling program's mission is to assist students with their academic and social/emotional development, promote spiritual growth, and encourage service to others. We employ an individualized, child-centered approach that is rooted in the Catholic faith and honors the dignity of each child. Our goal is to provide each student with the support and skills needed to achieve their full potential and to be successful. 

Our counselor works closely with parents, teachers and administrators to develop and implement strategies and interventions that address the individual needs of each child. Through the counseling program, students are encouraged to become independent, responsible learners, to develop and/or strengthen coping strategies, effective problem-solving and decision-making skills and to improve relationships.         

Counselors play a vital role in schools where they advocate for a safe, nurturing, and dynamic learning environment for all students. Parents, teachers, and administrators may refer students for counseling services and students may self-refer as well. Counseling is voluntary and confidential. 

How does our counselor work with students?

Classroom Social Emotional Learning

Our counselor provides classroom lessons throughout the year that focus on social-emotional learning skills, such as friendship/peer relations, conflict resolution, respect, courtesy, stress management, and communication. Students also learn about virtues and the stories of saints who provide examples of how to live out these virtues in our daily lives.

Individual Meetings 

Students may self-refer to meet with the counselor to talk about issues like stress, worry or friendship concerns. They can practice problem-solving and coping skills in a small group setting.  The counselor is also available to help students with difficult life transitions such as moving, the deployment of a parent, or the death of a loved one. Referrals for individual counseling may also come from parents, teachers, administrators, and staff. Parental permission will be sought after two to three meetings on the same topic. Our counselor can also provide recommendations and share Diocesan-compiled lists of resources for outside consultation/evaluation/therapy as needed to ensure the success and growth of each student. She can also consult and collaborate with outside professionals currently working with SJS students, with parental permission.

Small Groups 

Our counselor offers lunch bunch groups which provide opportunities for students to make new friends or just to enjoy a small group lunch.

If you have any questions regarding St. Joseph Catholic School's counseling program, please feel free to contact Mrs. Henry directly.