![]() Why School Counseling? It is a question I get many times when I am asked what I do for a living. Why didn’t I become a teacher? Why do I work in schools and not run my own private practice? All of these questions are valid. Most of the time, many people do not understand what I do and want to learn more. School counseling can be confusing. In recent years the profession has drastically changed. In my school experience, I only remember seeing my school counselors a handful of times. In elementary school, I saw my counselor twice. The first time she came to our class to introduce herself, she told us that she was my teacher’s sister. I think that was the main reason why I remembered her. The second time I saw her was when my friends and I in the second grade were in a huge fight and we couldn’t work out our problems together. She sat us all down in the conference room and made us talk to each other. We left feeling a little better, and eventually became friends again. In middle school I had no interaction with my school counselor. I couldn't even tell you where the office was. I don't even remember if they were male or female. And that is sad, especially because that was the time I needed it the most. In high school, my counselor was fresh out of grad school, and he was cute! So all of the girls in my grade were obsessed with going to his office. I, on the other hand, always felt too self conscious about myself to go down there. I remember seeing him two or three times when he asked about my college plans. Because I already knew and was accepted into the college I was going to, he didn’t spend much time with me. I wish he had. Because I needed it. Many adults also have the same experience when they try to remember their school counselor. Which is why so many parents are confused about the services we provide to support students. The school counseling profession has evolved dramatically in recent years, mainly due to the ASCA national model, which was first published in 2003. Due to this publication it illustrated the need for a comprehensive counseling program and outlined what that looks like. That created accountability and organization for the profession, which was previously lacking. It set clear guidelines and standards for every school counselor across the nation to follow. In an article published by the American School Counseling Association, it discussed how the past shaped the present and influences the future of school counseling. Dr. Norman C. Gysbers states, “School counseling as we know it today began as vocational guidance in the early 1900s. It was established in schools as a position occupied by administrators and teachers. No organizational structure was provided other than a list of duties” (2010). It wasn't until later that the school counseling focus seemed to shift to meet the mental health needs of students. Since then, as we learn more about the needs of students, our focus and goals continually adapt. We now understand that we have to look at the needs of the whole child instead of only mental health or only academics. Many things shape and influence a child, and it is important to put all of that into focus. I am a school counselor because I love this profession. I have the opportunity to provide support to students who may not get it outside of school. I can create a safe place where students can feel loved. I can be their advocate and help them build confidence so that they can be successful. I love my job. But most importantly, I love my students. They are the reason I get up in the morning and come to work. And I will keep showing up for them. Everyday. By, Heather Sluss, M.Ed School Counseling Gysbers, N. C. (2010), Remembering the Past, Shaping the Future: A History of School Counseling. Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association.
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AuthorJust a school counselor trying to create some sunshine in chaos. |