The increasing number of violent acts at schools across the country has brought to the public's attention the important role of school counselors and psychologists.

"Nearly every segment of society uses, at some point, the skilled training of counselors," said Dr. Lynn Haley-Banez, assistant professor of Counselor Education in Fairfield University's Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions. "They are some of the unsung heroes of our communities who are there to help people through times of crisis and important decision-making."

She presently has several school counseling interns who are training other school personnel about bullying. They are also providing group and individual counseling for students who are bullied and/or are bullies. She noted that most people don't know the rigorous training that is required to become a school or community counselor.

In addition, Dr. Paula Gill-Lopez, Ph.D., associate professor and director of Fairfield's School Psychology Program served on the Governor's Prevention Partnership Bully Task Force, representing the Connecticut Association of School Psychologists. Their report, issued in January, recommended that research-based anti-bullying programs be instituted in all Connecticut schools in the early and middle grades.

Dr. Gill-Lopez spoke to students at Seymour High School on March 28. She will be speaking to students at Derby High School on April 11, and Shelton High on April 25.

Posted On: 03-06-2001 09:03 AM

Volume: 33 Number: 171