Individual Counseling

Purpose of Individual Counseling with Students

• Develops positive attitudes toward school, learning, and work

• Helps students make responsible choices

• Instills respect for self and others

• Develops knowledge for further education and future employment

• Develops appropriate behavior and social skills

• Increases knowledge and use of conflict resolution and problem-solving skills

• Fosters a greater sense of self and positive self-concept

• Assists student in resolving a problem

Categories of Student Problems

• Interpersonal conflict or conflict with others (such as relationship issues or poor social skills)

• Intrapersonal conflict (such as decision-making problems or low self-esteem)

• Lack of information about self (such as abilities, interests, or values)

• Lack of success in school (such as academic problems, distractibility, or no motivation)

• Lack of skill (such as study skills, assertiveness, listening, or time management)

• Family issues

• Behavior issues

Counseling versus Therapy

Counseling, rather than therapy, is conducted in schools. Counselors and therapists may collaborate, with written parental consent, so that the student has comprehensive, consistent support across settings.

Individual Counseling may be more appropriate than group counseling when:

• The problem is unique to that student

• Other students may not understand the student’s problem

• Crisis is unique to one student

• Confidentiality is essential

• A student has anxiety or fear of talking in a group

• A student has limited awareness and understanding of feelings, motivations, and patterns of behavior

• Behavior prohibits successful interaction with other students

• The student needs individual attention and recognition

Records of Individual Counseling sessions

• Are used as a memory aid for the school counselor

• Include only general facts, not perceptions or opinions

• Should be retained separately from the cumulative folder

• Are subject to review by parents or students and/or students age eighteen or over

• Can be subpoenaed by court

• Should be destroyed upon student’s graduation or leaving the school