School Counseling Philosophy

As a school counselor I believe that all students can learn if given the proper supports and
opportunities. I understand that a student’s ability to learn can be impacted by many things
outside of the school day, and these factors need to be taken into consideration in order to
help the student succeed and gain the tools necessary to continue the learning process
throughout life. I believe that all students should feel that they belong to a safe and respectful
school environment. If they feel unsafe or need assistance with any other need they have
access to their school counselors.

School counselors should provide the following services to their students:

School Counseling Curriculum – classroom counseling lessons or activities to promote the

knowledge, attitudes and skills in three content areas: academic achievement, career
development, and personal/social growth. The lessons can include classroom guidance and
group activities.

Individual Student Planning - activities and lessons designed to assist students in establishing
personal goals and developing future plans, which include individual and/or small group
advisement.

Responsive Services - activities that meet students' immediate needs and concerns, such as
consultation, individual and small group counseling, crisis counseling, referrals, and peer
facilitation.

System Support - activities that further enhance the school counseling program and additionally
supporting the school. The activities include professional development, consultation and
collaboration.

Collecting data and analyzing that data to make data-driven decisions to develop, revise, and
evaluate the effectiveness of the counseling program is also an important role of the school
counselor. I believe it is also important to participate in ongoing professional learning
opportunities to stay informed of current and relevant research and best practices regarding
effective school counseling programs. School counselors should also always abide by the ethical
guidelines and mandates set forth by all applicable professional associations. I believe that
school counseling is an integral part of the school program. The school counseling program
should consist of a coordinated plan involving students, parents, and members of the
professional staff. As the school counselor, I have the primary role in developing and
implementing the school counseling plan. The cooperation and participation of teachers and
administrators are essential for an effective program. The classroom teacher, because of the
direct involvement with students on a daily basis, plays a vital role in any school counseling
program. The school administration provides the climate and helps to set appropriate
guidelines and conditions for an effective school counseling program to succeed. Parents must
be informed regarding the school's program of school counseling services. The counselor is the
key figure in the program, working directly for the benefit of the students. The school counselor
serves as a resource person to provide assistance and guidance for parents, teachers and
administrators in helping students meet their developmental needs. The focus of the school
counseling program is on the individual student.

I find that in my practice so far I am using Cognitive Behavioral Theories as well as brief-
solutions focused theories most often due to the limited time I get to spend with the students.