Counselling in Schools
A counselor in a school is a service that is aimed at giving professional support to students with their emotional, social, and academic issues. It finds its importance in providing a safe space for the children to grow by discussing issues such as anxiety, bullying, and academic pressures.
School counselors have many responsibilities such as one-on-one counseling, group sessions, and crisis management. They also get involved in guiding students academically, help them acquire social skills, and work collaboratively with teachers and parents to establish a positive learning atmosphere. For instance, a counselor can organize stress management training for students who are about to take the exam.
The school counseling office is the usual place that students seek counseling. They can get an appointment by visiting this office or get help exactly from a counselor. A large number of the schools have a referral system set up, through which teachers or parents can recommend students to see the counselor according to the problems that are seen. Furthermore, some institutions provide online forms to be completed anonymously for students who might like counseling support but are not comfortable with direct contact.
School counselors deal with various problems like academic pressure, mental health problems like depression and anxiety, bullying, and family issues. They also assist students in the process of transition, for example, changing schools or preparing for graduation. For example, a counselor can collaborate with a schoolboy having difficulties due to anxiety to come up with different tactics and give him links to other resources for support.
The school counseling not only plays a pivotal role but also has a noticeably positive impact on the mental health, academic performance, and social skills of the students. The researches have proven that the students who are the recipients of the counseling services are more involved in school, experience lower levels of anxiety, and create more appropriate relationships. For instance, a school conducting a counseling program had observed a significant downturn in disciplinary actions and a rise in student attendance.