• 925-254-0199
  • 10 IRWIN WAY, ORINDA, CA 94563

Weekly One-On-One Counseling

THE HOLDEN PROMISE

Each Holden Student Benefits From Individual Weekly
Social-Emotional Support

Holden’s counseling program is founded on the principle that all humans learn and grow in connection with those around them. Our RES (Resource, Exploration, and Support) counselors form supportive relationships with students and become their allies and advocates.

Special Circumstances

We want to ensure that Holden is a good fit for all our students. If a prospective student has been in a treatment program or hospitalized, a Holden counseling supervisor must speak with their program or therapist to be considered for acceptance.

Unfortunately, Holden is not structured to serve students with medically diagnosed psychoses or psychotic features, those who need line-of-sight supervision, have aggressive behavioral issues, or are currently in crisis.

How weekly counseling at Holden works

Students attend weekly individual meetings with a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, supervised Marriage and Family Therapist Associate, or a RES advocate to focus on self-exploration through discussion, art, music, or movement.

Counseling sessions are 30 – 60 minutes long, student-directed, and can include:

  • Time exploring student's passions
  • Emotional support
  • Aid navigating personal relationships
  • Help to examine limiting thoughts & beliefs
  • Support creating change through conscious choices

About Holden's Counselors

Some of our counselors have graduated from accredited master’s programs in Counseling or Clinical Psychology and are furthering their training under supervision by licensed psychotherapists. They volunteer their time, energy, and skills to help students thrive at Holden.  Holden’s RES counselors participate in Holden’s Counselor Training & Internship Program for one to three school year(s). For the 2022-23 school year we have a licensed therapist on staff, as well as an advocate not working towards licensure.

MITSUE

MA, California Institute of Integral Studies, Psychology
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NORA

BS, Brown University Neuroscience
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LIZ

MA, JFK University Psychology
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JEI

BA, University of North Carolina
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Testimonials

changing lives since 1969

"Holden has helped me feel confident enough to open up and share my ideas and opinions. I plan to enroll in community college to study aviation and graphic design."
Corey
CoreyHolden Graduate
"The Transition Counselors at Holden have helped me organize my path to college. It's been very productive. This fall I'll attend Sacramento Community College."
Jack
JackHolden Graduate
"Graduating from Holden is bitter-sweet. I'll miss the close-knit feeling of being in such a small community. I'm excited to start at Prescott College to study Wilderness Leadership."
Zayla
ZaylaHolden Graduate
"My favorite Holden memory was our school field trip to Kennedy Park. After my gap year, I'll attend the College of Alameda and take a mechanics class."
Walter
WalterHolden Graduate
"I didn't do well in traditional schools because my ADHD means I learn differently. Holden gave me lots of support to pursue my passion for engineering and science."
Gabe
GabeHolden Graduate
"I am forever grateful. This school not only saved my life, but gave me a safe place to explore, grow, and heal."


Krystal
KrystalHolden Graduate
"Holden is a real community. Everyone belongs. I love the freedom I have to express myself. I feel respected here."


Kayla
KaylaHolden Graduate
"Before Holden, I struggled in crowded public school classrooms with teachers who could not support a student with ADHD. I've grown so much at Holden"

Carlo
CarloHolden Alumnus
"Holden gave me a better understanding of myself and how I affect the world around me. It gave me direction, and guided my creativity"

Elliot "Oden"
Elliot "Oden"Holden Graduate
"I am so grateful to work in a school with a collaborative staff that truly respects and supports each individual student."


Abby
AbbyHolden Director
"Holden helped me learn to really enjoy life and express my feelings. Holden helped me through a lot of dark times and I'm forever thankful."

Beatrice
BeatriceHolden Graduate
“I have matured in ways that wouldn’t have been possible without the community at Holden.”


Brandon
BrandonHolden Graduate
"Holden is a community. We check in with each other, teach and learn from one another, and help each other succeed. I love working here!"

Libby
LibbyHolden Teacher
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HOLDEN HIGH SCHOOL

  • 925-254-0199
  • 925-254-6130
  • 10 IRWIN WAY, ORINDA, CA 94563
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