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Important Note and Disclaimer: The information provided in this website is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical or legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified mental health and/or wellness professional for any health concerns and/or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Counseling gives an individual an opportunity to explore any feelings, concerns, difficulties, problems, which they may be experiencing in a safe and supportive environment.
People may go to counseling to help with a specific problem, to help them to get through a difficult time in their life, to help deal with past unresolved trauma, to learn positive, healthy coping skills, to gain greater confidence and self esteem, to raise personal awareness and give a greater understanding of their feelings, to help make decisions and resolve conflicts in their life.
Sometimes it can be difficult to talk to family and friends through fear of being judged, not believed, embarrassment, or because we don’t want to worry or upset those closest to us. It may also be that others don’t have the time to give to discuss feelings in depth or the experience or knowledge to know the best way to help or give support. It can help to talk to someone not known to you who can look at issues with you in an independent and non judgmental way.
Counseling can be a difficult process to go through if you are exploring painful issues. Do not be put off if you find that you are struggling with the counseling as it does take time to work through difficulties which may bring up a whole range of emotions. Try and persevere in order that you can come to peace with whatever feelings you have in order to leave the past behind and to be able to move on with your life a stronger person who is more able to cope with life in a more satisfying way.
If you find, however, that you feel unable to work with the counselor for any reason then it is best to find another counselor who you can work with, who you can trust and open up to.
At the first session the counselor will go through issues like the length of sessions which is normally 50 minutes and frequency of sessions which is usually once a week. It should also be explained the maximum number of sessions available to you. Some counselors offer short term counseling and others longer term counseling. Counselors should review progress with you at regular intervals. Whatever you say in the counseling session is confidential and counselors will give you details of the few exceptions to this.
Counselors recognize that it can be an enormous step for someone to seek counseling and they will do all they can to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible and to put you at ease. It can be a terrific help having this weekly support and will give you the feeling that you are not on your own. A good counselor can make such a difference to someone struggling with a particular issue or life in general and help a person to develop their own inner strength. Many people also find that discussing their feelings with a telephone helpline gives them the confidence and impetus to seek face to face counseling.
SupportLine
History of Guidance Counselors
The profession of school counseling, evolving from vocational guidance in the late 1800s, has expanded to encompass academic, social, and emotional development, with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommending the term "school counselor" in the 1990s.
ASCA's Influence:
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) played a crucial role in shaping the profession, advocating for comprehensive school counseling programs. The ASCA provides a framework for school counseling programs, including ethical guidelines, competency standards, and student mindset and behavior standards.
Comprehensive School Counseling Programs:
The focus shifted from solely vocational guidance to a broader approach encompassing academic, career, and personal-social development.
Terminology Change:
In the 1990s, the ASCA recommended the term "school counselor" to better reflect the evolving role and responsibilities.
Expanded Responsibilities:
School counselors today address a wide range of issues, including academic advising, mental health support, and implementing positive behavioral interventions.
Roles of the School Counselor
High school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child and adolescent development, learning strategies, self-management and social skills who understand and promote success for today’s diverse students.
They implement a school counseling program to support students through this important developmental period. The program provides education, prevention and intervention activities, which are integrated into all aspects of students’ lives.
The program teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career and social/emotional development, which serve as the foundation for future success.
They provide a proactive program that engages students and includes leadership, advocacy and collaboration with school staff, administration and community/family members in the delivery of programs and activities to help students achieve success.
High school counselors also collaborate with teachers and parents on early identification and intervention of children’s academic and social/emotional needs, which is essential in removing barriers to learning and developing skills and behaviors critical for academic achievement.
American School Counselor Association
School Counseling vs Guidance Counseling
Why High School Counselors?
High school years are full of growth, promise, excitement, frustration, disappointment and hope. It is the time when students begin to discover what the future holds for them. High school counselors have an impact on these years by implementing a comprehensive school counseling program and collaborating with school staff, parents and the community to create a safe and respectful learning environment.
High school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development. High school counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize their full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.
What's the Difference Between a School Counselor and a Mental Health Counselor?
Student Research
All counselors
● Counselors need a masters degree and need a certification from the state in school counseling. They also need to keep their state certification by catching up on new information and challenges that students go through.
School Counselor
● Recognize mental health warning signs
● Focus their efforts on implementing school counseling programs that promote social, career, emotional, or academic success
● Helps students with addressing their academic, career and social/emotional needs
● Are certified and licensed educators
Mental Health Counselor
● Treat those with mental health disorders (Anxiety, Depression, etc.)
● Help develop therapeutic processes
● Can diagnose someone with a mental disorder (can’t prescribe medication)
Important Note and Disclaimer: The information provided in this website is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical or legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified mental health and/or wellness professional for any health concerns and/or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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