Major Counseling Theories For School Counselors

According to Merriam-Webster, theory is defined as an idea or set of ideas that is intended to explain facts or events. In every profession, theories are necessary to help determine if facts are credible. Credible theories are based on ideas, observations, and research. They have been tested in studies to see if they are effective (Gladding, 2005). For a theory to be considered as a good theory, it must meet certain criteria. It must be clear and easy to understand, comprehensive, written in a way that invites others to explore its uses, contains guidelines that others can follow to achieve desired results, and it must be practical and provides strategies its followers may use under certain conditions (Gladding, 2005).

From this twenty year counseling veteran I learned about a functioning guidance program, the role of the counselor, the amount of time she spends in various components of the program, how to foster a positive relationship with the teachers and faculty, ways to continue to develop professionally, and insight for a future career in school counseling. As I drove away from the school, I felt a mix of emotions such as, intimidation, excitement, and hopefulness to name a few. When I began to try to take in just how much is required and how many people rely on a school counselor it was intimidating. In my mind I began to wonder if it is possible for one person to be that much to that many people and still keep some kind of balance. As soon as the thought passed through my mind, I immediately heard the words of wisdom that had been shared with me, "don 't beat yourself up for not being able to be everything to everybody." I also reflected on how upbeat the counselor sounded when she talked about her role in helping students become "the best people

As a counseling student, it is very important to formulate a counseling theory tailored to ones’ own personality and beliefs. A counselor may choose a single theory to model when practicing therapy or pick and choose components and techniques from various theories, otherwise known as eclecticism. No theory is considered right or wrong. Understanding the different therapeutic approaches are important to effective counseling, however, counselors must also understand their own personal value, view of human nature, human behavior, counseling techniques and the purpose and goals of counseling. Understanding these components along with the different theoretical approaches will provide the counselor with a 9 knowledge of their own counseling, orientation and is essential to not only the productivity of counseling but the growth of the counselor as well.

It is my goal to become a school counselor in a local high school. As a school counselor, it is also important to try and understand the different experiences that children go through in order to get through to them. After studying the different counseling theories, I have discovered that each theory is valid and there are ideas and techniques that I would use out of each of them. However, there are some theories more than others that I would use to guide me daily as a school counselor. Modern day counseling is equipped with a wide variety of therapies, techniques and approaches. The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast three approaches of therapy. Also in this essay the views of the person and the Therapeutic process will be

As a counselor, being aware of the theoretical approaches and which ones best suit your perspective on human nature, complications, and change for an individual is vital. Not only is understanding the approaches important, but the counselor’s own values and personal philosophy are equally fundamental for the counselor to do their job efficiently.

School counselors collaborate with other school personnel such as teachers who will help implement guidance lessons in the classroom. As a school counselor it is important to keep the teachers motivated to help implement these programs. Resource teachers typically work the special education students, collaborating with resource teachers ensures that all students are included in the comprehensive program. The resource teacher can help provide alternative to working with students in an inclusive manner. The principles and assistance principles of the school typically serve on the advisory committee, they provide resources to the program, and help communicate the important of the counseling program. School psychologist are there to assist with mental health services, doing assessments, and working with the school counselor during crisis situations. School nurses provide health services to the students. They monitor student medications and note changes in students behavior or effectiveness of the medication. Secretaries are equally important in the collaborative model. Secretaries are typically the first person a parent will come in contact with when entering the school. They are the ones that create that first impression (Erford, 2015). Community agencies can provide additional support to students outside of

A school counselor’s role is vital in many schools across America. Many students see their counselor, to work on any emotional stressors, academic changes and challenges. This may include, interventions, group therapy and changes in class schedule, but sometimes with all the implementations given, students do not succeed in school. Perhaps one needs to take a closer look at the programs being implemented and its success rate. In addition, a counselor should guide itself using the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) to provide evidence based practices in schools.

The goal of a school counseling program to help all students reach academic success by providing supportive services that addresses issues or concerns comprising of academic, career and social/personal development. School counselors are not only concerned with students who are succeeding and motivated to learn, they also aim at encouraging students who are at risk of failing or dropping out of school to continue striving for success and setting goals that encourage productive citizens in communities. In order to create a comprehensive school counseling program, one must first recognize their own assumptions, perceptions and stereotypes regarding students’ behaviors, values and beliefs. One should also have a willingness to accept and understand

In this paper, I will discuss the history of counseling; specifically how school counseling and mental health counseling came to be. I will also examine the key philosophies of the counseling profession including, wellness, resilience, and prevention. Finally, I will analyze the case of Ashley, a young girl experiencing depression due to life changes and discuss how a school counselor and a mental health counselor can assist her through these barriers.

School counselors are concerned with providing a comprehensive school counseling program that addresses what students know in regards to academic, career and social/personal development. They aim at providing supportive services that address individuals and group needs, issues and concerns that prevent students from reaching academic success. Professional school concerns are not only concerned with students who are motivated to learn, they also aim at encouraging students who at risk of failing or dropping out to continue striving for success and setting goals that encourage productive citizens in their community. In order to attain a comprehensive school counseling program, one must first recognize their own assumptions, perceptions and

Over the years experts have studied the history and developmental aspects of the professional school counseling field. This paper will give an introduction to professional school counseling and the importance of the field as it relate to counseling. Major themes that are attached to the field of professional school counseling are relevant in their duties and a few are listed with their meaning, important identified clients, what counselors do to help in the situation, and the outcome for client intervention. The 5 themes are character education, bullying, social-conflict, academics, and mental illness. Additionally, this paper will include important elements of school counselor identity, function and ethics. A section of the

A professional school counselor is a vital entity for schools, as they collaborate with teachers, administration, and parents to promote academic success for students. The High School Graduation Rate is at 88% in the state of North Carolina. This paper will take a look at how School Counselors played an intricate part in this success and what steps will be made in the future to address the academic, social and career development of students at the High School

In this essay I intend to evaluate and analyze Jean Piaget cognitive learning theories to the current educational environment and demonstrate the understanding of the reading assignments, class discussions, my research, and the application of the learning theories to the current educational environment. I believe that Piaget is one of the most influential researchers of all time, and he will always be the greatest theorist by far in the field of psychology, because he was best known for his research on children 's cognitive development and studied and theorized the biological influences. Piaget brought a vast knowledge of understand in his era and his contributions were remarkable and profound and it relate to cognitive learning and an in

Through individual or group counseling, I plan to focus on improving academic and social skills, as well as educating about healthy relationships, healthy lifestyles, and preparing students to be confident citizens in and outside of school. My strong interpersonal and communication skills will help me gain an understanding of the students’ struggles and will allow me to apply the appropriate counseling approach learned through graduate studies to support the student and work together to find a solution to the problem. It is very important for students to have a school counselor they can relate to and I firmly believe that I have that to offer based on my own personal, work, and academic

School counseling is a profession that may look simple from the outside, but in reality, it is a complex profession that has evolved to become a vital resource for students to have throughout their education. I strongly feel that this is a profession that empowers individuals to make a difference in students’ lives and I am very eager to continue learning and watching myself grow to ultimately become a school counselor.