Direct Student Services

When I completed my first individual counseling recording in SCN-600, I was overwhelmed with nervousness and uncertainty. As someone who came from a teaching background, it was difficult at first to shift away from the teacher mindset and fully embrace the role of a School Counselor-in-Training (SCIT). My instinct was to instruct or guide rather than listen reflectively and allow the student to lead. Over time, I have learned how to detach those instincts and emotions in order to become a more active and empathetic listener. One of the most important developments in my counseling skills has been the ability to reassure students while still empowering them to recognize their own strengths and solutions. I have also learned that counseling is not a “one-size-fits-all” practice. Every child is different, and each brings a unique personality, background, and developmental level that must be considered. For example, a younger middle school student may need more emotional support and structure, whereas an older student may benefit more from solution-focused approaches.

For this session I used the knowledge of a young Black girl who loved makeup and cheerleading. I used my understanding of culture and adolescent development to tailor our conversations around self-care and wellness in a way that resonated with her. We discussed how she could use makeup as a creative outlet rather than a way to meet societal beauty standards. I showed her Dove commercials to challenge the narrow definitions of beauty she often saw on social media. At her developmental stage, social comparison and body image concerns are significant, so my goal was to affirm her self-worth and help her recognize beauty in multiple forms;both within herself and others. This culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate approach allowed her to feel seen, validated, and more open to discussing her stressors and coping strategies.

As a school counselor, collaboration and consultation are critical. I have seen how valuable it is to consult with families, school staff, and community agencies to create a support network for students. In this student’s case, I think partnering with a local organization or community figure who teaches beauty and wellness classes could help reinforce her self-care practices while also offering a mentorship opportunity. Creating partnerships like this extends the reach of school counseling services and allows students to see themselves reflected in supportive adults outside the classroom.

Working with middle school students has led to several personal and professional understandings. I’ve realized just how much development occurs during these years;from the innocence of 6th grade to the self-awareness and identity exploration of 8th grade. The emotional highs and lows, identity challenges, and social pressures require a school counselor to be flexible, patient, and deeply attuned to student needs. This age group has taught me how to adapt my communication and counseling strategies to best fit where a student is emotionally and developmentally.

The ASCA National Model has been a foundation for my growth as a SCIT. It has provided structure and purpose, helping me understand how to balance direct services like individual counseling with indirect services such as referrals and consultation. The ASCA model also helped me realize the importance of advocacy—whether it’s advocating for more mental health resources, creating inclusive programs, or helping a student access basic needs. It has also shown me how crucial it is to network with community members, which not only builds trust but also expands the resources available to support students.

As I reflect on my self-assessment data and experiences, I know that continued growth is essential. I plan to engage in professional development regularly, seek out feedback from supervisors and colleagues, and remain open to learning. School counseling is a profession that evolves with society, and as generations of students change, so must our techniques, strategies, and interventions. It’s important for me to never assume I know everything, but instead stay curious, humble, and committed to lifelong learning.

Finally, I will use ongoing self-evaluation to improve my practice. This means regularly reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and why. I plan to use tools like feedback surveys, supervision notes, and personal journaling to assess my performance. By doing this, I can make informed decisions about modifying my approach to meet the needs of all students and continue to grow both personally and professionally as a school counselor.