Thinking about Becoming a School Counselor
The role of a school counselor is multi-dimensional and requires a strong commitment to social justice. Counselors are primarily advocates for students, carrying out the professional orientation and ethical practice by projecting an image of self-confidence and possessing integrity as well as a strong emphasis on providing all students with access to academic and financial resources, even clothing and food if needed. Advocacy is an integral part of giving students a voice and identifying those who may be underserved and thus eligible for academic, social, and emotional accommodations. Maintaining confidentiality of students’ files, identities, testing and other assessments is essential to their overall success in the public school system.
Collaborating with teachers and administration, effectively communicating with parents, and practicing professionalism provides the students with a level playing field to become successful in their pursuit of college/career. It is important for counselors to maximize direct time with students. At the same time, it is critical to provide them with a safe environment as well as demonstrate a strong commitment to the school community and families. School counselors stay current on the most updated evidence-based research related to school counseling, join professional organizations, and utilize online resources such as ACA to communicate with other professionals in the counseling field.
A foundation in Ethics helps you understand the importance and significance of helping students overcome institutional barriers and dealing effectively with any ethical dilemmas which you may encounter in a school setting. Your level of commitment and ethical responsibilities to all students will continue to grow as you continue serving students from various multicultural backgrounds. During the process of research and writing, you will likely develop a strong desire to help students achieve their objectives successfully through advocacy, collaboration, and professional competency. Ethics assignments will also enhance your ability to adhere to the standards of ethics set forth by the American School Counseling Association (ASCA). A counselor further utilizes skills to help other students who may encounter similar situations by emphasizing to them the significance of complying with rules and guidelines pertaining to the college applications process. Other ethical standards will be taught systematically through lesson plans, group activities, and individual sessions. The assignments will strengthen your identity as a counselor to become a life-long advocate for students’ success through the process of being resilient, practicing ethical behaviors, and committing to a culture of respect students, their families, and the community.
Writing about Counseling & Self-Care during practicum class allowed me to appreciate the significance of finding balance between work and self-care. As a certified personal trainer (NASM) and a corrective exercise specialist, one may continuously practice self-care, which includes guided meditation practices, regular physical exercises, running, hiking, attending concerts and listening to music. A counselor should believe in being a role model to students in regard to optimal mental and physical health. One should be able to increase students’ appreciation for staying healthy while navigating their journey toward academic, social, and emotional success. It’s also important to increase their awareness to prioritizing their obligations to the school curriculum while providing them with skills to balance their lives and remain healthy.
Counselors must be adept at working with and analyzing data. A thorough review of school data can help identify disparities among students, and this can support implementing advocacy initiatives to close any achievement gaps. One will proactively adapt to students’ differences and needs by providing flexibility to lesson modifications, offer choices to learning approaches, whether it is semantic, visual or interactive, and always use inclusive language. One would also work with the community by offering workshops where stakeholders can have an opportunity to meditate any problems arising from cultural and social differences. A counselor would establish strong community ties with stakeholders including local businesses to support disadvantaged students. A counselor would also apply the Bronfenbrenner ecological theory to study all aspects of a student’s life and offer support to families who may need it. A counselor should also create a network of support including profession such as pro-bono lawyers, case managers, and social workers to provide a blanket of support to families in need.
Mindfulness and other creative approaches can be used to facilitate positive change for students. One should emphasize mind and body congruency by promoting wellness advocacy projects. A counselor should utilize Uri Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological System to consider all circumstances prior to making any decisions in regard to further academic emotional or social interventions. A coesunelor would use evidence-based research to suggest interventions, such as a 504 or an IEP plan in accordance with the Disability Act of 1973. One would also, prior to administering an intervention plan, consider Piaget’s & Erikson’s stages of development to maximize results. The process of writing the Personal Paper Theory allowed me to connect the dots and discover a common denominator to my counseling approach. A counselor should utilize a flexible combination of each theory to facilitate change for clients. Different theories such as Mindfulness, CBT, ACT, REBT and others are suitable for different personalities so one theory that works for one student may not work for others. One would consider human developmental stages by determining the utilization of appropriate elements of a specific theory or a combination to facilitate change. A counselor would further advocate for students with disabilities by offering them creative opportunities and accommodations to succeed academically and socially.
It is essential that a counselor adhere to the principles of being compassionate, empathetic, and listening attentively to students’ concerns. By promoting overall wellness and self-care, I will create an environment where students care about engaging in physical activities and embracing a culture of “We” vs “I.” I will utilize techniques like mindfulness, meta-cognition, and Acceptance & Commitment techniques to help students increase their awareness of their thought processes. I will apply creative approaches, such as drawing, painting, and narrative techniques to process emotions, thoughts, and feelings to achieve positive regard. I will also consider cultural differences, socioeconomic status, personality traits, and other variables to maintain adaptability to the student’s needs. After completing the Mindfulness & ACT Therapies reflection paper, I developed further appreciation to the mindfulness and ACT techniques of helping other people. Reflecting about mindfulness and ACT helped me become more mindful about my passion of helping other students become successful.
As a school counselor, I will utilize mindfulness, meditation, movement, and other techniques to increase students’ awareness to the present moment. By demonstrating breathing techniques, by teaching them how to meditate, and by strategizing problem-solving skills, I hope to facilitate their personal growth as students. I will further incorporate mindfulness with learning by working with students on staying focused while in school, develop their abilities to advocate for themselves, and to approach learning with a sense of resiliency, confidence, and a positive attitude. I will use ACT by helping students become pragmatic about using their cognitive abilities to dismiss negative perceptions, accept what they cannot change, believe in themselves, and have faith in their ability to be successful.
As a school counselor it is important to provide conflict resolution strategies to students who may encounter social disputes or emotional outbursts to provide the best possible solution to academic or social concerns. It is also key to empathically and compassionately listen to students’ concerns about academic, social, and emotional barriers that prevent them from moving forward with their objectives. Every student deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. I will further advocate for after workshops for parents who may require psycho-education in reference to their student’s academic journey through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
A counselor also provides motivation and problem solving skills related to transitioning from one stage to another, and coping skills that teach students how to be resilient, confident, and competent. Ultimately, helping students develop self-efficacy boosts their ability to be in control of their own motivation, behavior and social environment as they move forward in life.
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