Gurtz Counseling, LLC is a private practice that provides School Consultation and Observation services for children in Arlington Heights.

Sustainable change cannot occur without the support of the client’s social environment.  For most clients, this extends beyond the family system to teachers, other professionals, doctors, student aids and peers within the classroom.  With children working in multiple environments on a daily basis, collaboration is key in ensuring long term success. Various forms of in-school consultation are designed to ensure the most comprehensive collaboration for your child. 

Having a private therapist observe your child at school can offer numerous benefits that can positively impact your child's overall well-being and academic success. This approach combines the expertise of a trained therapist with the unique environment of the school setting, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of your child's needs and tailored interventions. The following are some of the key benefits of having a private therapist observe your child at school:

1. Comprehensive Assessment: One of the primary advantages of having a private therapist observe your child at school is the opportunity for a comprehensive assessment. While therapists can gather valuable information during individual sessions, observing your child in their school environment provides additional insights into their behavior, social interactions, and academic performance. This holistic assessment allows the therapist to gain a more accurate understanding of your child's strengths, challenges, and specific areas that require intervention.

2. Contextualized Interventions: By observing your child in their school setting, a private therapist can develop interventions that are specifically tailored to address challenges that arise in that environment. School-related issues such as peer relationships, classroom behavior, and academic performance can be directly addressed through targeted interventions. This approach ensures that therapy is not limited to the therapeutic setting but extends to the places where your child spends a significant amount of time.

3. Collaboration with School Professionals: Another significant benefit is the opportunity for collaboration between the private therapist and school professionals as well as doctors and additional therapists. By observing your child at school, the therapist can establish effective communication channels with teachers, counselors, and other relevant staff members. This collaboration allows for sharing valuable insights, discussing concerns, and developing strategies to support your child's progress both in therapy and in the classroom. It fosters a team approach where all stakeholders work together towards common goals.

4. Real-Time Feedback: When a private therapist observes your child at school, they can provide real-time feedback to both you as parents and school professionals. This immediate feedback allows for timely adjustments to interventions, strategies, and supports. It also enables parents and school staff to have a more accurate understanding of your child's behavior and progress, facilitating informed decision-making and targeted interventions.

5. Generalization of Skills: By observing your child in their school environment, a private therapist can assess how well your child is generalizing the skills they learn in therapy to real-life situations. This observation helps identify any barriers or challenges that may hinder the transfer of skills from therapy sessions to the school setting. The therapist can then develop strategies to enhance generalization and support your child in applying their learned skills consistently across different contexts.

6. Individualized Support: Private therapists who observe children at school can provide individualized support that is tailored to your child's specific needs. They can identify areas where your child requires additional assistance or accommodations and work collaboratively with school professionals to implement appropriate strategies. This personalized approach ensures that your child receives the necessary support to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

7. Advocacy: A private therapist observing your child at school can serve as an advocate for your child's needs within the educational system. They can help navigate complex processes such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans, ensuring that your child's unique requirements are met. The therapist can advocate for necessary accommodations, modifications, or specialized services that will optimize your child's educational experience.

If you are seeking School Consultation and Observation services in, or near Arlington Heights contact Gurtz Counseling, LLC today!