At Catholic schools across Denver, one lesson stands out above all: relationships matter. Students aren’t just learning math, reading or art—they’re learning how to be part of a community, how to navigate challenges and how to care for one another.
“Positive connections have a profound impact on a child’s development,” says Liz Rahn, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and school counselor at St. Raphael, Notre Dame and Blessed Sacrament schools. “Children learn by watching and imitating those around them, especially their peers.”
From the soccer field to the art studio, from youth groups to service projects, students have countless opportunities to practice teamwork, empathy and communication. Even unstructured playtime with friends becomes a classroom for life skills—sharing, taking risks and understanding others’ perspectives.
In conversations with students, Liz hears the same message repeatedly: friendships matter. “They tell me their friends make them feel supported. They share stories of learning new skills, tackling tough problems or finding better ways to express their feelings,” she says.
Parents play a critical role, too. By encouraging participation in school activities, parish youth groups and peer play, families help children strengthen their social and emotional well-being. These connections lay the foundation for healthy, meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime.
Through friendships, teamwork and community engagement, St. Raphael Counseling helps students grow not only academically but socially and emotionally—learning lessons that will shape the rest of their lives.
About St. Raphael Counseling
St. Raphael Counseling, the largest Catholic therapy practice in the country, offers a wide range of services, including individual therapy, school counseling, couples counseling and family therapy. We also provide evaluations for learning difficulties, attention problems and autism in a timely, thoughtful way that supports children and their families. With flexible scheduling, insurance options and a sliding scale, we make care accessible. St. Raphael Counseling
In addition, our St. Raphael school counseling program serves students in individual and group counseling sessions, exploring emotions, overcoming challenges and developing essential life skills. Last year alone, 10,000 counseling hours were committed to the well-being of students at Catholic schools. St. Raphael Counseling
The heart of our school counseling mission focuses on student needs, from developmental challenges to technology-induced anxiety and everything in between. We prioritize holistic support, including efforts in areas such as suicide prevention and parent-child engagement. Through individual sessions, group interventions and classroom lessons, counselors equip students with coping strategies and social-emotional skills.
By fostering a collaborative environment, St. Raphael Counseling aims to reassure parents that seeking help for their children is a positive step. Our efforts have led to notable outcomes, including a crossover of parents seeking counseling services for themselves, inspired by their children’s experiences.