Counseling Connection

My name is Monica Luna and I am the Reddix School Counselor. Please know that I am here to assist all Reddix young adults and students. From those transitioning from school life to adulthood to our medically-fragile school aged students. If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me (info at bottom of newsletter).

I am dedicated to collaborating with parents, faculty, and staff to develop and implement a holistic guidance program that nurtures our students' personal, social, and emotional well-being. Together, we will provide the support and resources needed to help every student thrive.

The counseling program consists of the following 4 program components.

Guidance

The Guidance Curriculum component includes skill based lessons designed to help all students develop competence in essential life skills. Some of the Reddix's guidance topics may include; friendships, healthy relationships, self advocacy, self-esteem and coping skills.

Responsive Services

Responsive Services includes both individual and small group counseling.

Individual Planning

Individual Planning guides young adults in planning, monitoring, and managing their own career, educational, social, and personal growth.

System Support

This component indirectly services our students. System Support includes research development, outreach, and professional development.

If you would like to request small group counseling for your child, please complete the form below. If small group counseling is not the best fit, I will work with your child individually to support their needs.

The counseling office is always open to any young adults who need support, whom selected "YES" for mental health services. If I am out of the office or meeting with another student, your child can fill out a paper form (available in your child's classroom), and I will get back to them as soon as possible.

• Special Connection is our monthly friendship learning workshop. Every 2nd Thursday of the month, all work team young adults and any others who are interested in participating in a learning workshop will engage in discussions and skill build on techniques on how to make and keep a friend. Based from The Science of Marking Friends, written by Elizabeth Laugeson.

What is a Hope Squad?

1. A Hope Squad is a group of students nominated by their peers.
2. They meet regularly with trained Advisors to talk and learn about mental health.
3. Members are trained to note signs of distress and reach out, connecting peers to help and hope.
4. Hope Squads educate the entire student body to reduce stigma and change their school's culture.

Reddix Rockstars is our school program that celebrates students for their outstanding character! Each nine weeks, teachers will select a young adult or student to be honored for their unique qualities, and they will be recognized for simply being themselves.

Use this visual to help your young adult focus their energy on things they can change or affect, rather than spending it on things beyond their control.

Use the visual aids to promote appropriate social skills and support friendship building.

Coping strategies are essential for managing life’s challenges, stressors, and difficult emotions. They offer effective ways to navigate the ups and downs of life. Below is an example of a visual coping skills that a student might use. If you would like a personalized set of coping skills tailored to your young adult’s specific needs, please let me know.

Story about guardianship hearings. Click on photo below to access the full story.

The "grounding technique" is a coping strategy designed to help individuals stay present and mindful. It is effective for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. This technique involves focusing on your senses to anchor yourself in the present moment, which can help reduce overwhelming thoughts or emotions.

Breathing techniques can activate the body's relaxation response and quickly calm both body and mind. By focusing on your breath and counting, you can keep your mind from drifting to stressful thoughts. Practicing this technique regularly with your child or young adult can help develop a sense of calm and improve stress and anxiety management. Below are some visual examples to guide you.

I am here to support your child or young adult. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Monica Luna, LPC-Associate

Supervised by Amaris Sanchez LPC-S

(210)397-2548

monica.luna01@nisd.net

X: @LunaCounselor