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ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING
New Counselor’s Message
My name is Alice Lenhart and this year I join the counseling staff, specializing in alcohol and substance abuse counseling. Before coming to GDRHS, I worked in Lowell at a substance abuse clinic, helping people recover from addiction to alcohol and every other drug imaginable. Prior to my work in Lowell, I counseled students at Rivier College on a variety of issues ranging from homesickness to depression to substance abuse. Unlike many of my clients in Lowell, my students at Rivier—much like students at GDRHS-- still had the chance to make wise choices for themselves and go on to have really exciting and wonderful lives.
My role at GDRHS is to assist student – not only those involved in substance abuse but those who have a friend, sibling or other family involving in drug or alcohol abuse During my brief time here students have been asking me some good questions in the hallways. I thought that by sharing these with you I would assist you in knowing who I am and what my role at GDRHS is:
Do you only see students who are in trouble for drug or alcohol use?
Absolutely not! It’s true that I meet with students who have gotten in trouble for violating the drug and alcohol policies in the handbook, but I am also here for those who are not in trouble and just want to come and talk.
What things do you talk about with students who come see you?
Anything that happens to be on their minds. Even though I specialize in substance abuse, I am here to talk about just about anything that seems important at that moment. In fact, I am also here for students who want to talk about what’s going right and how they are being successful! Talking about what works is a great way to keep things moving in a positive direction.
What other reason would a student who’s not in trouble come and see you?
I’m here to help you avoid trouble! Like I said earlier, if you are doing well, I’m interested in helping you identify your strengths so that you can continue to be successful. But! If you are feeling pressure to drink or drug, if there is alcohol or substance abuse in your family, if you are worried about a friend, or if you are concerned about your own choices, you might be feeling pretty lonely, scared, or uncomfortable. I can help you sort out your options, know what to say, how to help others, as well as how to feel good about yourself and your own choices.
How do students trust they can be honest and open with you?
Our sessions are confidential. That means that I can’t talk to other people about what you say to me, including your parents, your teachers, or the administration (unless of course you are at risk of hurting yourself or someone else). I take confidentiality so seriously that I will pretend I don’t know you anytime I see you outside of one of our sessions (unless you wave and say hi, and then I’ll wave and say hi right back!). Remember, I am here to help you, not to get you in trouble!
How often do students meet with you?
As often as needed. When a student first comes in, we talk about what’s working and what’s not, and I help students set some goals for themselves and ways to meet those goals. Sometimes that can be accomplished in 1 meeting! Sometimes it’s helpful to meet several times, or for the whole year.
How do students schedule appointments?
Stop by my office everyday between 8:00 a.m. and noon (I’m in 127A near the first floor science labs). Or email me at alenhart@gdrsd, or ask a teacher or your guidance counselor help you contact me.
What’s your outlook for the year?
I hope to meet many students this year and to help them make the wisest and safest decisions for themselves. I want students to know who I am and to put me to work for them so that they can have reach their fullest potentials