Guidance Counseling

"At Saint Dominic Savio Catholic High School, we know that a student’s social, emotional, and mental well-being are deeply connected to their overall success in life. You’re more than grades or achievement, you’re a whole person, and every part of you matters.

That’s why Savio has a Licensed Counselor here to walk alongside students as they navigate the highs, lows, and everything in between during their high school journey. From proactive support and skill-building, to stepping in during challenging moments, to helping students and families find the right resources when outside care is needed, Mrs. McLaughlin is committed to making sure no Eagle flies alone.

Support can include short-term individual counseling, small group sessions, family consultations, crisis management, and goal-focused interventions. And when specialized or long-term help is needed, students and families are connected to a trusted network of local professionals, including therapists, family counseling services, and resources for learning differences.

Here, mental health isn’t an afterthought, it’s an essential part of helping students grow into confident, compassionate, and resilient young adults.

Mrs. McLaughlin gave a presentation to Savio parents with tips for improving our mental health. Please see Mrs. McLaughlin's slideshow below.

CLICK HERE TO SEE SLIDESHOW

Coping resources

Online Calming Rooms

Sometimes life can become stressful. This calming room has been created to help you find virtual activities to help you find ways to relax.

Having conversations with your kids about racism and discrimination can be hard. However, these are necessary conversations even if you or your child have never had to feel the effects of racism or discrimination.

Books

For Kids on Race & Diversity Highlighting Special Needs For Teens on Prejudice and Racism Celebrate Diversity

Videos

Cultures of the World https://www.weareteachers.com/anti-racism-videos/

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Resources for parents/guardians/caregivers:

Parent presentation from Resilient Wilco on Brain Development & The Science of Building Resilience: Part I and Part II
Beyond Blue: Strategies to support anxious children: https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-6-12/mental-health-conditions-in-children/anxiety/strategies-to-support-anxious-children
Child Mind Institute: What to Do (and not do) When Children Are Anxious https://childmind.org/article/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-children-are-anxious/
Coping Skills for Kids: Quick Ways to Calm Down: https://copingskillsforkids.com/calming-anxiety
NPR: How To Help A Child Struggling With Anxiety: https://www.npr.org/2019/10/23/772789491/how-to-help-a-child-struggling-with-anxiety
PsyCom: Helping Kids with Anxiety: Strategies to Help Anxious Children: https://www.psycom.net/help-kids-with-anxiety

Activities to do at home:

Calming Activities: https://gozen.com/37-techniques-to-calm-an-anxious-child/
Calming Bottles: https://youtu.be/OOPZSCiTZ-c or https://www.messforless.net/calming-bottles/
Creating Stress Balls: https://copingskillsforkids.com/blog/homemade-stress-balls
Imagine Neighborhood: https://www.imagineneighborhood.org/
Mindfulness Activities: https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/5-fun-mindfulness-activities-children-breathing-exercises
Relaxing Music: https://youtu.be/t2UEqBdU7go

For Parents:

It is important that, as parents/guardians/caretakers, you take time to care for yourself.
If you’ve ever been on a plane, you are familiar with the pre-flight protocol. The flight attendant instructs passengers that in the event the plane loses oxygen, the caretaker is to put their oxygen mask on first. This may seem counterintuitive, but the reason is that if the caretaker doesn’t care for their wellbeing first, then it makes it harder and in some cases impossible to care for those around them.
Take some time each day to care for your well-being before supporting those around you.

Activities to Support your Wellbeing:

Effective Stress Relievers: https://www.verywellmind.com/tips-to-reduce-stress-3145195
Ways to Reduce Stress and Anxiety: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety

Resources to Support your Wellbeing:

Resources from the National Alliance of Mental Health Illness: https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/NAMI-HelpLine/Top-HelpLine-Resources
Prepare Your Health: https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/prepareyourhealth/
Taking Care of Your Emotional Health: https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/selfcare.asp
Texas Health and Human Services Adult Mental Health Information: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/adult-mental-health

Understanding Depression

Resources for parents/guardians/caregivers:

Healthy Children: Adolescent Depression - What Parents Can Do: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Childhood-Depression-What-Parents-Can-Do-To-Help.aspx
NAMI: How to Help Your Child with Depression: https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2018/5-Things-You-Can-Do-to-Help-Your-Child-with-Depres
Kids Health: About Depression: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/understanding-depression.html
Young Minds: Parenting a Depressed Teenager: https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-your-depressed-teenager/

Activities to Do at Home:

Art Therapy Activities: https://positivepsychology.com/art-therapy/
Coping Strategies for Children with Depression: https://www.yourtango.com/experts/dr-laura-dessauer/3-creative-coping-strategies-kids-depression

For Parents:

It is important that, as parents/guardians/caretakers, you take time to care for yourself.
If you’ve ever been on a plane, you are familiar with the pre-flight protocol. The flight attendant instructs passengers that in the event the plane loses oxygen, the caretaker is to put their oxygen mask on first. This may seem counterintuitive, but the reason is that if the caretaker doesn’t care for their wellbeing first, then it makes it harder and in some cases impossible to care for those around them.
Take some time each day to care for your well-being before supporting those around you.