Philosophy of Counseling

          As a counselor, there are a variety of responsibilities to fulfill and requirements to follow.  While each of these responsibilities is important, none equals that of my responsibility to help students in my building feel success in their education.  I believe that every child has a right to learn and to experience learning in a safe environment.  A child should walk into the school building knowing that learning will take place and needs will be met.  My goal is for students to have an overall enjoyable and satisfying experience in school.  As a teacher I have learned that education is often far from the most important thing many students think about and it is imperative that I help students overcome the obstacles in their lives so when they are in school, education can come first.  The time spent in an educational setting can greatly influence the shape a person’s life might take.  Our society depends on education to prepare students to develop into productive citizens and I will do what is in my power to help achieve this goal.

           Because each student comes to school with different needs, one on one counseling is often the most effective means for meeting kids where they are.  Through working with individuals, my theoretical orientation has developed into a rather eclectic assortment of orientations and includes a great deal of unconditional positive regard within the relationships I build.  I use Brief/Solution Focused therapy when the situation calls for goal setting and goal achievement or to address student needs and the current outlook for having those needs met.  I also use a great deal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Reality Therapy, working on specific behaviors and actions as the primary focus.  When counseling students with regard to careers, I use Trait and Factor Theory to develop my classroom guidance and in my work with individuals on finding a path that best fits the needs of the student.  

          Academic support is a major goal of mine and in providing that support, I work collaboratively with teachers to advocate for my students as well as to help strengthen the study skills of the student.  Thoughtfully placing students in appropriately challenging course work is another area in which I will be working for the student's overall academic success.  In personal guidance and career guidance, I work to provide resources to my students and provide them with the skills they need to have successful social lives and a successful transition into the working world. 

          Building relationships to further education is the most important tool I use to achieve goals with students.  I also believe that it is the responsibility of the counselor, much like it is the responsibility of a teacher, to remain in contact with parents so growth also continues at home.  Another important way I develop relationships is through the use of group counseling.  In groups, students are allowed to express themselves in a way not otherwise done in larger groups like a classroom setting and provides more social learning that would a one-on-one, counselor/student setting.  I foster the discussions and facilitate change through the use of group counseling.

          Creating a safe environment for children, building relationships based on meaningful interactions and real-life situations, helping students develop social skills and communication skills as well as teaching children how to improve their study skills are all essential to being an effective school counselor.  One of the most important keys in this is a multicultural approach, encouraging students and teachers alike to constantly be aware of and continue building the communication between various racial and ethnic groups.  It is also important for me to be inclusive of all students regardless of ethnicity, economic status, gender, or sexual identity.  I consistently work to build an environment where all of my students feel safe and welcome.

          My philosophy of counseling includes all of these elements because I consider the most important part of education to be the learning and relationships that come from being in school.  I intend to treat each child as an individual.  I intend to encourage students to continue to strive for excellence and to maintain unconditional positive regard for students.  In building a rapport with students of various backgrounds, I work to learn about each child as an individual.  Along with learning about each child, I will provide a safe and inviting environment for students who need to visit with a supportive adult.  I encourage inclusion rather than exclusion and I most of all, work to be there for students in need and will unconditionally support their education.