When choosing a school, an important consideration is how it supports the emotional and mental health of its students. At Integrated International School (IIS) in Singapore, support is offered for those facing challenges through counselling for students, therapy and a collaborative teaching approach.
Support for mental health of students at IIS
IIS provides a wide range of support for families when addressing the mental health of students. Both individual and group counselling sessions focus on helping students identify emotions, manage stress, enhance self-awareness and develop problem-solving skills.
Besides counselling for students, the school also has various therapies available to support students in Singapore. These include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: This helps assist students in recognising and altering negative thought patterns, promoting resilience and positive behaviour.
- Expressive Therapies: Art therapy, play therapy and psychodrama are utilised to provide experiential outlets for emotional expression. They aid in emotional regulation and self-expression.
- Occupational and Speech Therapy: These support the development of sensory, motor, and communication skills, contributing to overall wellbeing and day to day functioning.
- Talk Therapy or Expressive Therapies
Unique to IIS is an inclusive education approach integrating various therapeutic approaches and additional learning support that’s personalised to the student. It incorporates Naturalistic Behavioural Interventions, Social Skills Training and the Von Auer Collaborative Teaching Approach.
The latter is developed by Dr Vanessa Von Auer, a clinical psychologist who is also the school’s founder and CEO. The approach enhances communication, compromise and collaboration, and promotes inclusivity among child, student and school.
School counselling tips for parents from Dr Vanessa
#1 Be open about your concerns
“If you’ve noticed areas where your child may need extra support – socially, emotionally or academically – don’t hesitate to share this with us. Early conversations allow us to monitor and offer tailored interventions that make a real difference. Staying in close touch with the school ensures your child gets the right help at the right time.”
#2 Ask questions anytime
“Therapy and school counselling can feel like a maze. You know your child best, and we bring professional insights to the table. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about services, goals or progress – together, we can build a support plan that works beautifully.”
#3 Celebrate small wins
“Every step forward counts! Sharing the little victories your child experiences at home helps us reinforce those strengths at school too.”
Integrated International School is at #01-01 Capital Square Two, 21 Church Street.
6466 4475 | iis.edu.sg
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