Philosophy 

 

Purpose of Counseling

The purpose of school counseling and guidance program is to prepare every student socially, academically, and emotionally for present and future challenges.  Students are provided with opportunities to gain an understanding of self and others, to participate in educational and occupational exploration, and to pursue career-planning opportunities in an environment that is safe, caring, and encouraging.  Counselors work in collaborative partnerships with students, educators, parents, and community members to empower students to reach their highest level as productive members of society.

 

Preferred Theoretical Foundation

The preferred theory’s that would best help in a school setting are behavior therapy and impact therapy. Behavior therapy is an umbrella term for types of therapy that treat mental health disorders. This type of therapy seeks to help individuals who struggle with self-destructive or unhealthy behaviors. The goal of impact therapy is focused on goal setting and creating change within each session. It invites the client to be fully engaged throughout the counseling session. The clients are asked to think rationally during impact therapy to help them to create self-talk and movements to work through their issues.

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Role of Counselor

The comprehensive school counseling and guidance program is an essential integrated component of the total instructional program through which students have opportunities for academic, career, and personal/social development. The school counselor’s job is to make sure students are provided with opportunities to gain an understanding of self and others, to participate in educational and occupational exploration, and to pursue career planning opportunities in an environment that is safe, caring, and encouraging.

 

Role of Counselee or Consultee

The role of the counselee or counsultee is to work alongside the counselor to better improve the services they are being given. The students and family members should be in contact with the counselor and help the counselor, help them. Fellow school staff and faculty must also collaborate with the counselor to help them as they guide their students and the services they may need.

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Basic Standards to be followed

The counselor adheres to the ethical standards set forth by the American School Counselor Association.  The counselor also participates in ongoing professional development in order to access current research and techniques as well as network with other professionals in the counseling field. The American School Counselor Association Ethical Standards for School Counselors provides clear guidelines and standards of behavior for school counselors to maintain to achieve professionalism.

 

 

Other basic beliefs

Every student is valued as a unique individual. All populations, backgrounds, cultures, races, and special needs students are treated with love and respect and are given equal attention and services. All individuals will be given access to the counseling program and will be given special attention services as needed.