Providing Individual and Group Counseling
Counseling is provided on-site at Harbor School by an MSW, NJ Certified School Social Worker.
Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as low cognitive functioning and behavioral challenges, create a complicated student. Social and interpersonal skills, as well as behavioral plans, are incorporated in talk therapy, clinically designed board and card games, as well as iPad apps, developed for developmentally challenged students.
Both individual and group counseling is provided, taking into consideration both the IEP goals and the presenting issues for the student.
Individual counseling provides a safe, private and non-threatening place for students to express, reflect and learn different, more acceptable ways to function in school as well as other areas of their lives, while Group counseling allows the students ongoing hands-on social and peer interaction.
Programs dealing with Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) are presented to classes on a yearly basis as well as on an as-needed basis.
The School Social Worker also interacts with therapists, parents, and clinicians on our UBHC Rutgers staff to better ensure that goals are consistent.
Meet Taylor Shea, Harbor School's Counselor
Taylor Shea graduated from Monmouth University in 2015 with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and in 2019 with her Master’s in School Counseling (M.S.Ed). She has years of experience in the mental health field, serving as a Mental Health Specialist at Rutgers Day School in Piscataway, NJ. After having her first baby in 2021, Mrs. Shea began her journey at Harbor School, facilitating the after-school Social Skills Program for Harbor students.
In the 2023-2024 school year, she was offered a School Counseling position at Harbor School, where she supports students (and staff) of all abilities through Social Emotional Learning, along with a variety of skills both in classrooms and individually. This is the first time Harbor School has had a school counselor position, which has been beneficial when collaborating with staff, teachers, and colleagues. As a counselor, Mrs. Shea offers a different perspective when it comes to individual and classroom needs. She learns something new every day from her colleagues and students and is eager to continue her journey at Harbor School.
In her free time, you can find Mrs. Shea spending time with her husband and two loving children. She loves baking, sports, and being at the beach.
Explore our range of support services below:
