Sometimes we can all use a little help dealing with life’s difficulties, especially adolescents.
Over the past school year, Home Nursing Agency’s Center for Counseling and the Tyrone Area School District have been working together to provide at-risk students in grades six through 12 the option for individualized or family, school-based counseling sessions.
On a weekly basis, the same counselor from Home Nursing Agency visits the school to help students and/or families cope with or even conquer high-risk behaviors. The counselor regularly confers with the school’s guidance and special education staff for follow-up on students’ behaviors and for referrals to the program.
According to Joann Lang, assistant superintendent of Tyrone Area Middle School and High School, the school-based program has given students prone to high-risk behaviors another viable avenue to speak with a certified counselor without having to leave the school’s campus.
“With most students, not having to leave school helps to eliminate the stigma associated with having to seek support outside the school system,” said Lang. “The Agency’s counselor is excellent and the program has truly made a difference. It’s very effective and worthwhile.”
The district’s middle school and high school special education supervisor Jeanne Knouse agreed.
“This is the first year we initiated the program. Both parents and children have expressed appreciation for the outlet offered,” she said.
Knouse said she looks forward to continuing the program next school year with Home Nursing Agency.
“It’s not uncommon to hear the problems facing our youth today from drug and alcohol usage to depression, anger, eating disorders and attention deficit disorders. We believe this positive intervention can provide guidance on these issues and teach better coping skills,” said Donna Hartford, Home Nursing Agency’s Director of Clinical Services.
Since 1995, the caring and compassionate staff of Home Nursing Agency’s Center for Counseling on 500 E. Chestnut Avenue in Altoona has been offering family, individual and group counseling programs and private, confidential services so individuals can get back to the things they enjoy – family, friends and life.
Home Nursing Agency is a leading provider of state-of-the-art therapy techniques such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, which is a more hands-on approach where clients participate in games and creative activities in addition to the common exchange of dialogue with the counselor.
Most recently, agency counselor Pat England became certified in Interactive Guided Imagery. England said this technique works by supporting the client to use powers of their own imagination to explore a particular area of concern, illness, or interest. Frequently, these images provide insights that assist in the healing process.
For more information on any of these services, contact Donna Hartford, Home Nursing Agency\’s Director of Clinical Services at 943.0414 ext. 3063.
