Counseling

Hello there!

I'm Belma Martin, and I've been part of the Briarwood community for seven wonderful years. I must say, I absolutely relish every moment spent here! Let me provide you with a glimpse into my background: In 2008, my family and I made the exciting move from Turkey to Washington. Prior to this adventure, I spent a decade as a mental health counselor at a private counseling office and worked as a school counselor across various private schools in Turkey. Upon settling in the States, I dedicated myself to achieving a Master's Degree in School Counseling from Seattle University. In the realm of family, my husband and I are blessed with two children, aged 17 and 12. I enjoy cooking, diving into books, knitting, spending quality time with friends, getting active through exercise. Lifelong learning is a core value of mine; I'm driven by a thirst for knowledge, particularly in the domains of education, behavior, brain science, and psychology. On the language front, I'm fluent in both Turkish and English, which adds a vibrant dimension to my interactions.

**THE ROLE OF A SCHOOL COUNSELOR: WHAT DO I DO?**

At the heart of my job is supporting students, families, and our dedicated staff. Teamwork with families and staff is essential for reaching out to every single student. I'm here to support all students in their academic journey, career exploration, social interactions, and emotional well-being. As the school counselor, my mission is to advocate for all students and help clear any roadblocks in their academic, social, and emotional paths.

I deliver whole class guidance lessons, topic specific small group lessons, and one-on-one short-term counseling. I also work behind the scenes by collaborating closely with administrators, staff members, and families, playing different roles in various teams.

My approach blends Cognitive Behavioral and Strength-Based strategies, enriched with insights from Neuroscience and Neurobiology to understand how the brain, mind, and body connect. My focus remains on empowering students by recognizing their strengths and nurturing their self-esteem. In my interactions with students, I incorporate elements like literature, games, art, physical activities, and a touch of humor to create a well-rounded and engaging experience.

Issaquah schools provide comprehensive guidance and school counseling services in each building. All students have access to and the right to participate in these programs, which focus on academic, career, and social/emotional development to enhance the learning process, provide access to education, and support student readiness and success. Our school counseling teams plan and implement their programs with consideration for  student, family, school, and community members, and can help to connect students and families to resources and supports in our schools and community. Our ultimate goal is to help students obtain the knowledge, skills and attitudes that lead to academic, career, and personal success.

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