CONNELL'S COUNSELING CAFE
Station 1: Emotional first aid |
Station 2: Restorative circle, conflict resolution, and group counseling |
Station 3: Independent (with minimum counselor’s facilitation) individual/group activities for reflection and emotional regulation |
Connell’s Counseling Café is a student sanctuary crafted to facilitate restorative practices whereby students have a designated space of refuge and reflection. In our holistic approach to racial equity we facilitate restorative circles and problem solving sessions to decrease student suspensions. The room environment employs restorative spatial qualities allowing students to self-regulate their emotions through the use of art and crafts, views of nature, music, and tactile activities. The room is divided in three sections to meet the student’s needs:
Station 1: Emotional first aid (immediate attention and crisis intervention)
Station 2: Restorative circle, conflict resolution, and group counseling
Station 3: Independent (with minimum counselor’s facilitation) individual/group activities for reflection and emotional regulation
Providing this environment within the context of a dedicated peace room will reinforce it as a place where people feel calm thereby supporting the work of the restorative justice process. Allowing students to be proactive in defusing conflict and self-regulating their emotions prevents situations from escalating.
