Polina“When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it's our job to share our calm, not join their chaos.”
Our Role
School counselors make a measurable impact in every student’s life, supporting academic achievement, personal growth, and emotional well-being. Trained in both education and counseling, they act as facilitators between parents, teachers, and students — helping to identify goals, recognize strengths, and address areas needing improvement.
For many families, the school counselor is the first point of contact for questions about a child’s mental or emotional health. Counselors provide support not only to students in need, but to all students, helping to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment.
A Safe Space
A safe space is more than a room — it’s a feeling. It’s a place where students can express themselves freely and honestly, where emotions are heard and validated, not judged. It’s a space where it’s okay not to be okay.
The school psychologist’s office is such a space — a calm environment where students can talk, reflect, or simply take a moment to breathe. School psychologists are a sounding board for teachers, an advisor to families, and a mentor to students. Whether supporting a student through a difficult time or offering a quiet place to think, they are here to help.
How Counselors/psychologists Support Students
School counselors are here to help make every student’s school experience the best it can be. They work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and students to foster academic success, emotional growth, and social confidence.
They may:
- Provide individual and small group counseling based on student needs
- Help students understand and manage social, emotional, or behavioral challenges
- Support conflict resolution between peers, teachers, or family members
- Assist students in setting goals and developing decision-making skills
- Help students adjust to new schools, classes, or transitions
- Work with teachers and parents to develop strategies for student success
- Support positive parent–child communication
Further Reading
Appointments
Appointments can be arranged directly between the student and the counselor, or scheduled by a class teacher, tutor, or head of year.
Sessions are offered weekly, fortnightly, or monthly — depending on availability and individual needs.
Sessions are offered weekly, fortnightly, or monthly — depending on availability and individual needs.
Confidentiality
Conversations with the school counselor are confidential. Information shared in sessions remains private unless there is concern for a student’s safety or as required by law.
Please contact our school counsellor, Ms Polina Kozintseva at polina.kozintseva@internationalschool.ru to schedule your appointment.
