CHS Blog

Our thoughts are powerful.  A thought about a situation can determine our attitude, which can influence our entire day.  I often say with our thoughts, we find what we are looking for.  The Bible has a lot to say about our thoughts; and our thoughts greatly influence our perspective.  Over the last 15 years, while working as a social worker in a variety of capacities, I have interacted with lots of different people on both an individual and relational level.  And God is a relational God.  One of the key metanarratives of scripture is God’s deep love for us.  

I attended Christian Heritage in High School.  I remember a moment in my room (the most sacred space for any teenager).  I was feeling overwhelmed by some social situations.  So, I got on my knees and prayed a simple prayer; “God, re-order my loves”.  I have come back to that prayer many times.  When I am overwhelmed by a situation or a relationship, I can center my thoughts and ask God to “re-order my loves” so that, out of an overflow of love for God, I can understand my identity and security in Christ and love others.  First, we must love the Lord and out of that love for God we have a correct ordering or view of ourselves and others.  Relationships with others are so important but they cannot be more important than our relationship with God and, without a proper ordering, we will look to others to fulfill and satisfy only what God can.

The question is “How do we practically do this through the counseling office at Christian Heritage School?”

In lower school, I have been facilitating small groups.  All lower school students will participate in a group.  From kindergarten to second grade, we focus on “Getting Along in School.” These groups include three sessions: Following Group Rules, Playing Well With Others and Listening To Others.  We talk about the importance of rules and practice treating others with kindness and respect.  Students learn and discuss skills in playing well with others; that friends can be like traffic lights and send off signals when feeling happy, sad or mad.  We also talk about listening and the importance of listening to others.  The third to fifth grade students engage in groups about Friendship.  In the small group sessions we talk about friendship qualities; what makes a good friend, qualities the students already have and qualities each would like to work on.  We talk about communication in friendship and, through role-play, practice verbal and non-verbal communication skills.  We also talk about how to solve friendship problems.  Within our group discussions and learning we highlight the greatest commandment outlined in Matthew 22:37, “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”  The ordering of these loves is crucial.  It has been a joy to work with the lower school groups; students are excited to attend groups and participate.  

As you may suspect, counseling looks a little different for Upper School students. I have had the opportunity to work with several different faculty to build what different levels of school counseling support could look like, from brief check-ins with students to brainstorming what small groups could look like as well as professional development opportunities from a social and emotional perspective.  

I am excited about this opportunity at Christian Heritage. My prayer is that I can come alongside students and faculty members and continue to equip and strengthen all the good that is already taking place here, and keep Christ at the forefront of everything we do.

Katy Culbertson is the school counselor at CHS.  She holds a BSW (Bachelors in Social Work) from Gordon College and a MSW (Masters of Social Work) from Southern Connecticut State University.  She is a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in the State of Connecticut.  She has 15 years of experience in the Social Work field working with children and families.