Counseling and Its Work settings

1. Counselors in Schools – According to Gibson and Mitchell (2003), counselors are recognized especially in the
preventive interventions and developmental stage. There are elementary school counselors, junior high school
counselors, secondary school counselors, counselors in vocational schools, counselors in higher education, and
counselors in community and junior colleges. The counseling service in the schools is usually located under the
student affairs program. It is under the supervision of the Dean of Students Affairs.

2. Counselors in the Community Setting – refers to employment in community, agency, and other non-school
professional situations. Counselors can be found in the community and mental health agencies, employment and
rehabilitation agencies, correctional settings, and marriage and family practice. (Gibson and Mitchell, 2003)

3. Counselors in the Private Sector – refers to counselors who decided to do fulltime work as private practitioners
or engage in part-time private practice while employed by community agencies. This is feasible if the counselors'
expertise and specialization match or relevant to an adequate client population in the geographic area. (Gibson
and Mitchell, 2003)

4. Counselors in the Government – counselors are also present in various agencies of government or institutions
supported by the government that is into social welfare, health, and education. Relevant agencies or institutions
include public schools, public social welfare agencies such as that for the youth, children, and aging.

ACTIVITY: KNOW YOUR TARGET

Directions.
1. In the column found at the extreme left of the matrix are the work settings or areas of a counselor.
2. In the center column, write the roles of a counselor in each work area.
3. In the column found at the extreme right, write the possible clients or customers.

WORKS SETTINGS OF A COUNSELOR MAIN ROLES POSSIBLE CLIENTS

School

Community Setting

Private Sector

Government

Guide Questions:
1. How was your experience in filling out the matrix?
2. Did it help you recognize the roles and clients of a counselor in a specific work setting?
3. How do these roles change the way you look at counselors in the Philippines?

APPRECIATION POST!
Direction. After understanding the specific work area of a counselor, make a simple appreciation note highlighting how
you value counselors, regardless of where they are assigned.