What is School Counseling

What is school counseling?

School counseling is a comprehensive program designed to promote and enhance student performance and achievement by addressing the academic, career, and personal/social needs of all students. The program is administered by professional counselors and is delivered through individual counseling, classroom guidance, and small group counseling. The term “guidance counselor” has changed to “school counselor” as their expected duties are more extensive than that of a vocational guidance counselor.

Academic Counseling

teaching study skills
teaching test-taking skills
academic planning
discussing graduation requirements
assisting with course selection
exploring individual learning styles

Career Counseling

exploring careers and career fields using various career exploration material
administering career interest inventories
using personality assessments to match students with potential careers
helping students match individual strengths with career plans
helping students develop plans for what they will do after high school
exploring colleges, technical and trade schools, apprenticeship, military and other employment opportunities
helping with college admission applications
assisting with preparation for college admission tests like the ACT
teaching scholarship search techniques
educating students about and assisting them with the financial aid application process

Personal/social
This type of counseling involves addressing students' needs through one-on-one counseling relationship in matters such as peer pressure, conflict resolution, family relationships, personal identity issues, grief and loss, suicide, child abuse, substance abuse, school dropout prevention, motivation and achievement concerns.