100 reasons to talk to your School Counsellor

Even experienced school counsellors are surprised sometimes by the diversity of the many ways they get to support students – everything from anxiety to family challenges to navigating the stress and success of Snowfest. Shawnigan counsellor Jennifer Tully has created this list of 100 reasons a student might want to talk to a school counsellor – but this is only the tip of the iceberg.
  1. Exam anxiety
  2. Learning difficulties
  3. Big Problems
  4. College or university stress
  5. Time management
  6. Procrastination
  7. Goal setting
  8. Study skills
  9. Balancing extracurricular activities
  10. Peer pressure
  11. Social anxiety
  12. Friendships
  13. Bullying
  14. Relationship issues
  15. Family conflicts
  16. Parental expectations
  17. Divorce or separation (of parents)
  18. Grief and loss
  19. Emotional well-being
  20. Anxiety concerns
  21. Depression concerns 
  22. Self-esteem and self-worth
  23. Body image concerns
  24. Disordered eating 
  25. Substance abuse
  26. Anger management
  27. Coping with trauma
  28. Abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual)
  29. Sleep difficulties
  30. Time management
  31. Perfectionism
  32. Adjustment to a new school
  33. Cultural or identity struggles
  34. Homesickness
  35. Loneliness or sadness
  36. Feeling overwhelmed
  37. Self-harm
  38. Suicidal thoughts
  39. Lack of motivation
  40. Attention and focus issues
  41. Test anxiety
  42. Procrastination
  43. Substance use concerns
  44. Stress related to future plans
  45. Decision-making dilemmas
  46. Feeling lost or purposeless
  47. Navigating friendships
  48. Feeling safe 
  49. Sexual health education
  50. Understanding emotions
  51. Building resilience
  52. Health goals and focus
  53. Handling disappointment
  54. Assertiveness skills
  55. Communication skills
  56. Developing healthy habits
  57. Setting boundaries
  58. Coping with change
  59. Conflict resolution
  60. Financial stressors
  61. Time management
  62. Obsessive-compulsive tendencies
  63. Phobias
  64. Panic attacks
  65. Peer relationships
  66. Romantic relationships
  67. Puberty and adolescence
  68. Dealing with gossip
  69. Perseverance and resilience
  70. Seeking life purpose
  71. Balancing responsibilities
  72. Feeling judged
  73. Trust issues
  74. Cultural adjustment
  75. Managing a chronic illness
  76. Learning to ask for help
  77. Preparing for standardized tests
  78. Roommate stress
  79. Learning to express emotions
  80. Overcoming shyness
  81. Improving communication with parents
  82. Developing empathy
  83. Exploring hobbies and interests
  84. Dealing with a crush
  85. Body positivity
  86. Social media pressures and comparisons 
  87. Navigating popularity dynamics
  88. Improving organizational skills
  89. Building a support network
  90. Coping with a difficult teacher
  91. Developing healthy self care habits 
  92. Navigating a breakup
  93. Coping with a disappointment
  94. Coping with success and expectations
  95. Finding motivation for schoolwork
  96. Transition to a new grade or school
  97. Developing leadership skills
  98. Balancing screen time
  99. Understanding mental health
  100. Connection and loneliness 
This list is extensive, but students are welcome to seek the support of a school counsellor for various combinations of these reasons or for entirely unique concerns specific to their OWN personal experiences. Anyone can come talk to a school counsellor. 

Please click here for more information about Health and Wellness at Shawnigan
 
Jennifer Tully has been a counsellor at Shawnigan Lake School since 2021. She has an extensive background working with children, youth and families. She is passionate about mindfulness, social emotional learning and inspiring young people to find new and helpful ways to make positive changes in their well-being.
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We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
1975 Renfrew Road
Shawnigan Lake, BC V8H 2G7
250-743-5516
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.