GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SALIENT POINTS AND

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

DEFINED
As defined in the Rules and Regulations of RA 9258,
Rule 1, Section 3, guidance and counseling is an
“integrated approach to the development of a well-
functioning individual primarily by helping him/her to
utilize his/her potentials to the fullest and plan his/her
present and future in accordance with his/her abilities,
interests and needs.”
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING
VS DISCIPLINE
Guidance and Counseling
Helps to set a goal by an action plan of activities for its
proper implementation
Discipline
Pertains to punishment or sanctions given for undesirable
conduct like deprivation of some privileges, temporary
suspension
Note: Contrary to the common belief,
counseling is NOT tantamount or the same
with discipline. Guidance Services Office
does not in any way deal with matters
regarding sanctions, punishments and
disciplinary actions of all forms.
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM
Integral part of the educational system
Provides holistic development of the students
System of services designed to improve the
adjustment of every individual for whom it is
organized
Responsive to students’ needs
THE GUIDANCE FACILITIES
Physical facilities are essential components of
Guidance and Counseling Programs. The outcomes
of guidance work may be severely affected if the
facilities are not appropriate or sufficient for the
services rendered.
What are the required facilities then:
Receiving Area
Spacious and is provided with reading materials, self-help books,
magazines and other sources of information
Provides a welcoming touch, alive and inviting
Comfortably cool and properly lighted
Multi-purpose Room
Can be used as conference room and can be used for meetings, small
group sessions, small group dialogues, workshops and trainings
Free from distractions, well-ventilated and illuminated and preferably
sound-proofed
Testing Room
Provides a comfortable ambiance for test takers
Well-ventilated, well illuminated, preferably sound-proofed
Provides comfortable seats and tables for the test takers
Counseling Room
Counseling room should be private, enclosed from room to ceiling,
properly illuminated, soundproofed, free from distractions, well-
ventilated, preferably air-conditioned
The counseling room should be comfortable, homey, lively and inviting
Should have a tissue box and mirror
THE ROLES OF THE TEACHERS AND
ADMINISTRATORS TO THE
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING
PROGRAM
THE TEACHER
The teacher is the first line of contact between the
student and the school Guidance Program. He/she
communicates with students on an almost daily basis, and
is in the position to establish a relationship based on
mutual trust and respect. An indispensable element in the
Guidance Program, the teacher can facilitate the
implementation of guidance services through various
roles (Gibson and Mitchell, 1999).
Listener and Advisor
Students will often confide in a teacher. If the teachers will able to help, there will be
less need for the students to see the guidance counselor.

Referral and Reinforcing Agent

Daily personal contact with students enables the teacher to detect needs and strengths.
From projects and written work and frequent interactions, he/she is aware of the
individual needs and can be instrumental in identifying and referring students who
need counseling.

Discover of Human Potential

Because class activities can help identify student talents and potentials, the teacher can
encourage and assist their development and provide inputs for career planning.
Career Educator
The teacher can incorporate and integrate career education with teaching. He/she
can develop positive attitudes and respect for honest work and promote attitudes
toward education and its relationship to career preparation and decision-making.

Human Relations Facilitator

The teacher can be model of positive human relations while he/she plans and
directs group interaction. The role modeling serves as an experience of healthy
human relationship.

Guidance Program Supporter

The teacher can encourage and support the counselor and create a motivating
environment for the guidance services.
THE ADMINISTRATORS
Previous studies (Gibson, Mitchell, & Higgins,
1983) have noted that administrative support was
ranked in the highest priority category in the
establishment and development of school counseling
programs. These studies emphasize the significant role
the school principal and other educational leadership
can and should play in any program in counseling
within their jurisdiction. This role may be expressed
through the following:
Program Leader and Support
The leadership behavior of the school head and school administrators
represent the educational leadership in both the school and the
community, they have the responsibility of giving clear, open, and
recognized support for the school program.

Program Consultant and Adviser

The school head and school administrators has the best overview of all
activities and planning within the institution. This position enables them to
make valuable contribution to the school counseling program, school
policies that affect counseling program functioning, resolution of
problems encountered by the program, the procedures or directions for
program development and improvement.
Resource Provider
School head and school administrators are usually responsible
for the institutions budget – its makeup and utilization. In this
role, they provide advice and direction to all school programs
regarding budget expectations, staffing possibilities, facilities,
and equipment. They may also be aware of possible external
resources, which the school counseling program may wish to
explore.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
(FAQS)
Is it true that Guidance Counselors give ADVICE?
NO. Guidance Counselors are guided with the premise
that people has an innate potential to decide for their own
good and that everyone has the will for personal growth.

Why do I need to see the Guidance Counselor?

Students are encouraged to see the Guidance Counselor
because people need help at certain points in life.
Is going to the Guidance Services Office something I should be afraid
of?
NO. Rather, going to the Guidance Services Office can be a cathartic
experience. Guidance Services Office is a place where everyone is
accepted regardless of who he/she is or regardless of the reason/s why
he/she comes to the Office. Every counselee/client is given with outmost
respect and unconditional positive regard.

If I were to see the Guidance Counselor, will I be given sanctions,

punishments, or disciplinary actions?
NO. Contrary to the common belief, counseling is NOT tantamount or the
same with discipline. Guidance Services Office does not in any way deal
with matters regarding sanctions, punishments and disciplinary actions of all
forms. Counseling is never ever about disciplining.
What other services aside from counseling does the
Guidance Services Office offers?
The Office also offers psychological testing, interpretation of
psych test results, symposia, fora, seminars, and consultation
services (relevant to psychology and guidance and
counseling).

When is the right time to visit the Guidance Services Office?

Anytime between 8 AM – 12 NN and 1 PM – 5 PM is a right
time to visit the Guidance Services Office.
Will all the information I disclose during the counseling
session be kept confidential?
Yes. Guidance Counselors adhere to a very strict
confidentiality standard. Any information or counselling
records that you provide are strictly confidential, except in life
threatening situations, cases of suspected child or elder abuse,
or when release is otherwise required by law. As a counselee,
if you wish the counselor to provide information about your
counselling session to another person or agency, your written
authorization is required.
 DEPARTMENT BASED GUIDANCE
FACILITATOR:
Roles in Developing a Globally Competitive VSU –
Tolosa Graduate who imbibes R.I.T.E
Specifically, they are called with the following
roles:
follow-up the academic performance of the students they
are assigned to monitor;
ensure that students are helped and assisted in their
academic concerns; and
refer students who needs counseling and other guidance
services to the Guidance Counselor.
THANK YOU! 
Reena Rose P. Abonales, MEd GC, RGC