Navigating the unique challenges facing international schools has become markedly more complex amid the current backdrop of global events, conflict, and loss affecting many of our students and staff worldwide. Global issues, coupled with heightened concerns about safety, significantly impact the mental health of students, teachers, and counselors. International school counselors often bear the emotional and psychological burdens, not only in their personal lives but also while supporting their students through trauma.
Recognizing the difficulties posed by these times, our special Consultation Circles for School Counselors are designed to offer support and guidance, fostering resilience in the face of these challenges. Two experienced international mental health counselors will provide a safe and confidential platform for a small group of counselors to gather and process their experiences. Participants will explore creative ways to navigate challenging situations and, most importantly, find a sense of community support during times of crisis.
NOTE: If your school would like a tailored crisis support program for your school community (staff, administrators, parents, and students), please contact ISCA at info@iscainfo.com
Register here by November 10th!
Led by two mental health specialists, sessions will provide a clinical perspective and access to resources and tools from the contributions of over 100 international school counselors. Designed to highlight the rich knowledge and diverse perspectives that counselors around the world bring, each session will feature the following components:
Gratitude Circle: Each counselor will have the opportunity to share their weekly successes.
Case Presentations: 2-3 counselors will present a challenge or case from their respective schools.
Special Topics: 1-2 sessions will be dedicated to a deep dive into culturally sensitive trauma-informed practices, aimed at equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills to effectively support the school community.
Insight & Idea Sharing: Counselors are encouraged to contribute by sharing an insight, idea or a resource.
Closing: The facilitators will summarize and conclude the session and provide resources based on the topics discussed and shared insights. Facilitators may also lead a brief mindfulness/grounding exercise to promote self-awareness and resilience.
Final session: Participants will reflect on their learnings and personal growth.
Groups will meet 8x from November 18 through January 2024. Each session will meet for 90-minutes. A complete schedule is below:
how big is the group?
Circles will be composed of five to eight international school counselors per group, who will remain together as a cohort for the 8 sessions.
In recent years, a special team of mental health counselors at Linden has provided crucial support to international school staff and families in regions grappling with war and conflict, such as Sudan, Ukraine, and countries in the Middle East. They are also seasoned in addressing the unique challenges faced by globally mobile families and third-culture kids. They ensure dynamic, compassionate, and strength-focused conversations leave everyone feeling seen, heard, and energized at the end of each session.
ARE THESE SESSIONS CONFIDENTIAL?
We are committed to protecting the confidentiality of all students. Participants will be required to sign confidentiality agreements before joining a group. We create a safe space for counselors to openly discuss their challenges in a supportive and confidential environment.
Register for the Counseling Consultation Circles by November 12th . Circles will start the week of November 13th.
WHAT IS THE COST?
The cost for ISCA Members is $400 and Non ISCA Members is $460. If you are interested in becoming an ISCA Member you can visit this page and receive more discounts on our events and offerings.
Linden Global Learning & Support Services provide much needed educational and therapeutic support to international students and schools anywhere in the world. From Berlin, the heart of Europe, to anywhere in the world, we offer tailored support to ensure the academic success and emotional well-being of all learners.
Noa Kanter is a Clinical Child Psychologist and the Head of Counseling Services and Safeguarding Officer at Linden Global Learning.
She holds a Master’s degree in child clinical psychology from Bar-Ilan University and has several years of experience applying various therapeutic interventions in public health care clinics in Israel. Noa has also worked as a school psychologist, conducting psychoeducational assessments in the city of Holon, Israel.
For the past 7 years, Noa has worked at Linden Global Learning as a psychologist focusing on supporting students from international schools. She has led multiple consultation circles for international school counselors located in 52 countries around the world and designed and facilitated grief and crisis counseling support groups for international schools facing war and conflict in the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
OULAYA SAMHOUN-JAWAD, M.A.
Oulaya is a dedicated counselor and child protection specialist working with students of all ages. She holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling from the Lebanese American University, Beirut-Lebanon. Oulaya strongly believes in the positive impact of students' social and emotional well-being on their academic success. In her role, she provides individual and group counseling sessions, addressing areas such as social behavior, relational dynamics, emotional concerns, academic achievement, and community engagement.
With experience in handling crisis situations, Oulaya offers grief counseling to students who have experienced trauma or death in the family. Oulaya collaborates closely with counselors, educators, and stakeholders to ensure that all students' needs are met, fostering an environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.