Joe Murphy

School-Counselling-Solutions

Dear Families in Transition,
Transition can be hard, especially for adolescents who are in the midst of figuring out who they are and who they want to be. During this period which is defined by change; physical, social, emotional, relational and neurological, adding an international move can often be a tipping point. At a time when teens are looking to take control of their life we uproot them, which for some, can feel like the end of the world…and so they make it the same for the rest of the family! Change often causes angst for children, which in turn causes angst for parents, as they are managing their own transition stressors. International mobile families know that if their kids are okay the other challenges can be managed. I am committed to helping globally mobile families be okay.

Are you looking for support to manage a recent or future transition for your family?
Is your teen struggling in your latest posting or a future move?
Are you concerned that your child is not coping with the ups and downs of teenage life abroad?
Would you like to build a more trusting relationship with your teen?

I help parents and children manage the highs and lows of life as an expat in transition. I help third culture kids (TCKs) leverage their strengths to overcome the challenges of adolescence.

Dear School Leaders,
It is often said that counsellors are the heart of a school because they look after the social and emotional wellbeing of the community. While I believe counsellors play a pivotal role in creating the conditions for wellbeing, the most joyful schools are places where all stakeholders embrace the social and emotional health of everyone. Student wellbeing is supported by research based and vertically articulated counselling and advisory programs. Positive school culture, rooted in trusting relationships, is at the heart of wellbeing.

Is your school looking to develop a research based counselling or advisory program to support student wellbeing
Is your school looking to build a more positive school culture rooted in trust?

I help schools develop counselling and advisory programs that serve the needs of their community and promote community wellbeing. I help schools become more joyful places for all people to learn and grow together.

Support For Expat Families

“Trusted counsellor for expat families managing international transitions”

Support For Expat Students

"Support for children and teens navigating the challenges of life as an international school student"

School Counselling Consultant

"Development of school counselling and advisory programs"
"Helping schools create a more positive school culture"

Who is Joe....

With over 25 years experience as an international school educator, school counsellor and mental health advocate, I have developed and successfully implemented a 3-pronged approach to school counselling which includes Thriving Transitions, Understanding the Adolescent Mind, and Connected Relationships. I have successfully supported expat families through the transition process, supported the mental health needs of culturally diverse communities in eight countries, and developed trusting relationships within the faculties I’ve served by modelling authenticity, compassion and clear communication.
My greatest joy comes from working with the enormous potential of adolescents and supporting their journey to adulthood. I am grateful for the opportunity to help parents embrace this period of growth and the changing nature of their parent-child relationship through this pivotal period of development.
Schools function best when there is a positive school culture grounded in trust. I am passionate about school culture, and enjoy working collaboratively with school leaders and stakeholders to create strategic plans to improve the "joyfulness" of their school.

Testimonials

"Joe has supported our son throughout his time in Middle School. He has helped him through bouts with anxiety and difficulties with those who did not understand or appreciate our son. Mr. Murphy has been an excellent bridge for our family to help us gain the help we needed from the school administration and has advocated for our child. We have always felt that we could reach out with our concerns. Responses were always quick, thoughtful and filled with concrete actions we would take immediately. We give primary credit to Mr. Murphy for the many successes our son has had these last two years." Clara Belli - middle school parent

"Joe Murphy is a patient and skilled guidance counselor. With years of experience as an international educator, I have seen how he works successfully with diverse student and parent populations. Joe has the ability to provide parent workshops on a myriad of topics while also being able to easily pivot to address specific parent concerns. Joe was accessible and supportive when I needed guidance for my children." Erin Gerba - parent of multiple middle school students

"Joe was an invaluable help to our family when our daughter moved from the British system to the American International School system - doing way more than duty demanded. Our daughter's move was complicated by many factors including severe family illness, leaving her previous school before her peers and, like everyone else, Covid lockdown.She id her first year at ISK entirely online, joining half-way through middle school. Joe could not have been more supportive, concerned and proactive in supporting her. What could have been a very hard transition went smoothly and happily. Now in high school, our daughter could not enjoy it more. We are sad to see Joe go but believe his services will be of great use to families moving schools and to schools seeking counselling support." Miles Bredin - middle school parent

"Having seen Joe in action as a school counselor over the past decade in three different countries - has been inspiring, heart-warming and powerful, to say the least. To observe the attention he puts into each child, each conversation, and each emotion – has been a highlight for me in understanding what it means to love, mentor and lead from the heart. May Joe’s spirit spread far and wide – because that means more children will flourish, feel loved and grow to their fullest potential." NIMO - Empty Hands Music

"Joe is that perfect combination of experience, wisdom and connection. He is able to listen, guide and assist in the most calming and comforting manner. He skilfully helps to shed light on the possible when a situation seems impossible." Mike Callan, Director - International School of Kenya

"Joe has a wealth of experience to offer schools and families. His Kind and caring manner, coupled with levels of professionalism and expertise, make him a rare gem in the field of counselling and wellness."
Pip Curtis, Principal - The American School in Japan.

School - Counselling - Solutions