Welcoming Vickie Anne Grant: Our New School Counsellor
By Cath Fowler and Mark Cullen, 19/12/24
At Woolston Brook School, we recognise the increasing importance of mental health and emotional well-being for our students. In response to this growing need, we are pleased to announce the appointment of our new school counsellor, Vickie Anne Grant. Vickie is in school every Wednesday, providing invaluable support tailored specifically to meet the needs of our students.
Vickie brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of counselling, with thirteen years dedicated to assisting a diverse range of clients. Her extensive background includes working with individuals facing an array of challenges, such as depression, low mood, bereavement, trauma-related issues, relationship breakdowns, stress, and anxiety. This varied experience ensures that she is equipped to handle the unique emotional needs of our pupils.
At Woolston Brook School, we are immensely grateful for Vickie's commitment to significantly enhancing our pupils’ emotional health and well-being. The support she provides is not merely about addressing immediate concerns; rather, it encompasses the holistic development of our students as individuals. Vickie's approach goes above and beyond what is traditionally expected of school counselling. She actively seeks to engage with the children in meaningful ways, fostering an environment of trust and support.
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Vickie adopts a person-centred therapeutic approach, which places the student at the heart of the counselling process. She believes that every individual has the potential to grow and heal when provided with the right environment—a key aspect of her practice. Her warm and caring nature is immediately apparent, and many of our students feel comfortable approaching her with their worries and challenges. Vickie’s friendly yet professional demeanour ensures that while she maintains the necessary boundaries of a professional practice, she also provides a comforting presence that our pupils can rely on.
A distinctive feature of Vickie’s practice is her belief in the value of lived experiences. She maintains that her own journey informs her insights as a therapist, providing her with a deeper understanding of the struggles that many of our students may face. This rich tapestry of personal insight, combined with her professional training, allows her to connect with students on a profound level. Her deep empathy and caring nature create a safe and supportive space for pupils to explore their thoughts and feelings.
Vickie has a special interest in trauma-informed practice, which is vital for understanding and effectively supporting those who have experienced various forms of trauma. This can include, but is not limited to, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. She also has significant expertise in bereavement counselling, helping clients navigate their grief and facilitating their journey through this often painful process. The skills she employs in these areas are invaluable to students who may be struggling with past experiences or significant losses.
Engaging with children and young people requires a unique set of skills, and Vickie exemplifies this through her innovative approaches to counselling. She utilises various therapeutic techniques tailored to the individual needs of her clients, recognising that each pupil’s experiences and feelings are exceptional and deserve specific attention. Additionally, her ability to integrate creative methods within her sessions often encourages greater participation from students, reinforcing their engagement and trust in the therapeutic process.
As our school community continues to grow and evolve, our commitment to supporting the emotional health of our pupils remains paramount. With Vickie Anne Grant on board, we are confident that her contributions will have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of our students. She embodies the values of compassion, respect, and understanding that we strive to instill in our school.
The introduction of Vickie Anne Grant as our school counsellor at Woolston Brook School marks a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to promote mental health and emotional well-being. Her extensive experience, warm approach, and dedication to her craft create a promising foundation for the support our students need. Together, we can cultivate an environment where our students feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact Vickie will undoubtedly have as she embarks on this enriching journey with us.
