In Conversation with Stephanie Van Hatten
By Fiona Burton ‘23
Stephanie Van Hatten, upper school guidance counselor and most recent recipient of the Penumbra dedication, met with the Beachside Press to discuss the role she plays in the community, and the importance of mental health in schools, as well as in all other aspects of life. Throughout the pandemic, Ms. Van Hatten has been incredibly supportive of the GFA community, and always lends an ear to students and faculty in need of assistance. This year, Ms. Van Hatten is working alongside Ms. McGee to ensure that no student ever feels alone.
Q: How can students reach out to make a meeting with you?
A: People can always email me if they want to schedule a time. They can always just pop in or knock at any moment. I'm in C214. There's also Ms. McGee who's new this year. She's in C202, but she's here: You could pop in anytime, you could send an email about when you want to meet, or if you want to meet during whatever cycle you need. If you do come and you're having difficulties and you are in a class, we will notify your teacher that you're here.
Q: Why is mental health in schools important?
A: Mental health is important anywhere. It's definitely important in schools because of the stress and pressure that's on students, especially nowadays and in the Upper School. There's so much pressure for college and for the future, and I think a lot of kids put a lot of pressure on themselves. We also see an increase in anxiety that's happening for adolescents, so making sure they have the support to navigate what's going on for them with academics, with sports, with extracurricular activities, with friends, with family dynamics. Having it in school, so the kids have access to those supports, is huge. If you're too emotional, you can't learn, and you can't be your best self.
Q: Why did you personally decide to be a school guidance counselor?
A: I am actually not a school counselor by trade. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I decided I wanted to be a counselor when I was in high school. I always loved the way the mind worked and wanted to know more about how to support those who are struggling. After graduate school, I worked as a crisis counselor for 12 years, where I responded to adolescents who were in extreme distress. I loved that work. I, then, decided that I wanted to be preventative, instead of reactive, when working with adolescents and their mental health, so I decided to work in a school. I love the idea of reaching students in high school and supporting them in their day-to-day lives, while helping them to build skills to become peaceful, healthy adults.
Q: What are some tips for maintaining mental health in school and especially during stressful times?
A: Absolutely talk to somebody. Making sure that, if you are feeling yourself getting really stressed out, or zoning out, or having a hard time concentrating, or feeling really down, or really nervous, you reach out and talk to someone, whether it's myself, Ms. McGee, a family member, a friend, someone. So that's the first tip. The second tip is for a friend to look out for other friends. If you're noticing that a friend of yours is struggling, or you're seeing something going on for them, reach out to someone and make sure you're getting support for that friend. Sometimes it's hard for us to know that we're struggling when we’re in it, so you want to make sure that your friends are looking out for each other. There's also aspects of making sure that you are taking care of your basic needs: you're sleeping enough, you're eating enough, you’re getting some physical activity, you're spending time with friends. A healthy balance will help all-around with your mental health. There's also a lot of tips that we can go through if you are struggling in the moment with intense anxiety or moments of depression. I'm happy to go over with each individual person for ways to help maintain their body and their breath when they are in that in that head space.
Q: How should students balance academic performance and sleep?
A: Academic performance and sleep are directly linked. Without sleep, your brain cannot retain, process, or apply information learned. Sleep also allows for increased mood regulation, which is imperative in academic success, as we cannot perform our best when we are struggling to regulate our emotions. It is important to prioritize sleep and develop healthy sleep hygiene. This can happen when there is a structured time allotted to both academics and sleep. If you are finding that your academic workload and other commitments are keeping you from getting necessary sleep, please come and talk with a counselor to brainstorm ways to successfully manage everything on your plate.
Q: What you should do if your friend is having a difficult time or how can you notice if you have friends having difficulties?
A: No one knows the students here at GFA better than the students at GFA. You are the eyes and ears of the student body, and, therefore, if you see or hear something concerning, please bring it to the attention of a trusted adult. We are here to help and support all of you. You can absolutely keep your concerns anonymous as well. You do not have to worry alone. You can find me, Ms. Van Hatten, in room C214 and Ms. McGee in room C202. You can come in, email us, or Google Chat us at any time.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
A: Adolescence is really hard, and you never have to worry alone, so if you're worried about your friend or worried about yourself come share that. You never have to worry alone. It's too much to hold. It's best to be able to support each other and navigate through this together. Because you are not alone. No one's alone and it's okay to not be okay.
