School Counsellor

What is a school counsellor?

A school counsellor is someone who provides support and guidance to students in a school setting. They help students with their emotional, social, and academic well-being.

What does a school counsellor do?

Usually, a school counsellor does the following:

• Provides one-on-one counselling sessions with students to help them with personal issues or challenges they may be facing
• Conducts group counselling sessions with students to address common concerns or promote mental health and well-being
• Assists students in developing coping skills and strategies to manage stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues
• Collaborates with teachers, parents, and other professionals to support students' overall development and success
• Provides guidance and advice on academic planning, career exploration, and post-secondary education options
• Implements and facilitates programmes to promote mental health awareness and well-being within the school community

What does the day-to-day life of a school counsellor look like?

A school counsellor usually works during school hours, which are typically from 9am to 3pm. However, they may also have additional responsibilities or meetings that require them to work outside of these hours.

On a typical day, a school counsellor may:

• Meet with students for individual counselling sessions
• Facilitate group counselling sessions or workshops
• Collaborate with teachers and parents to address student concerns
• Attend meetings or professional development sessions
• Plan and prepare for upcoming counselling sessions or programmes

Where does a school counsellor work?

School counsellors work in educational settings such as primary schools, secondary schools, and colleges. They are employed by the school and work directly with students, teachers, and parents to support student well-being.

What skills and qualities does a school counsellor need?

To become a school counsellor, you should have:

• Effective communication skills to build rapport and establish trust with students
• Strong listening skills to understand and empathize with students' concerns
• Problem-solving skills to help students find solutions to their challenges
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development
• Patience and sensitivity when working with students from diverse backgrounds
• Strong organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and caseloads
• Understanding of confidentiality and ethical guidelines in counselling

What education or qualifications are needed to become a school counsellor?

To become a school counsellor, you would typically need:

• A relevant Bachelor's degree (e.g., Psychology, Counselling, Education, or Social Work)
• Postgraduate qualifications in school counselling or a related field may be required or preferred by some schools or districts

What career paths are available for a school counsellor?

There are a number of career paths available to you as a school counsellor, including:

• Senior School Counsellor: With experience and further qualifications, you can progress to a senior role where you may have additional responsibilities such as supervising other counsellors or coordinating counselling programmes within a school or district.

• Educational Consultant: Some school counsellors choose to move into consulting roles, where they provide guidance and training to schools or educational organisations on best practices in student support and well-being.

• Private Practice Counsellor: You may also choose to establish your own private counselling practice, providing support to students and families outside of a school setting.

What jobs are similar to a school counsellor?

• Clinical Psychologist: Diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in individuals of all ages. Requires additional education and licensing.

• School Psychologist: Providing assessment and support services to students with academic, social, or emotional challenges within a school setting.

• Youth Worker: Working with young people in various settings to provide support, guidance, and advocacy.

Are you a school counsellor? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to school counselling. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.