The services provided by the school counselor typically can be classified into three domains:
Counseling
Counseling services are offered to all students both individually and in groups. These services are designed to address the academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of students. In addition, the counselor will participate in, coordinate, or conduct activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school.
Coordination
The counselor coordinates a variety of special programs within the school. These may include new student registration, peer helper and conflict mediation programs, long-term educational program planning, and guiding students in other decision-making plans for the future. In addition, the school counselor is responsible for coordinating the administration of all standardized tests.
Consultation
An important part of the school counselor's role is consultation. Counselors may consult with parents, faculty, other school staff, and community agencies in order to best meet the individual needs of all students. Some of the more common consultation roles for a counselor include: facilitating teacher-parent conferences, test interpretation, working with outside support agencies and private medical doctors to deliver necessary treatment programs, and meeting with students and parents to address academic, behavioral, and emotional needs.
More specific services include, but are not limited to:
=Individual Counseling- A student and the school counselor work in a safe, positive, and confidential setting to address issues that may present a barrier to his/her school achievement. Topics are based on the needs of the student and may include: feelings, changing families, peer pressure, friends, stress, social skills, academics, bullying, getting along with others, problem-solving, and decision-making.
=Small Group Counseling- A process where students, sharing similar issues and concerns, work together in a small group environment consisting of about 5-8 peers. The group sessions usually last about 30 minutes and are held for approximately 6-8 weeks. Topics are based on the needs of the students and may include divorce or changing families, grief and loss, friendship and social skills, study skills, conflict resolution, emotion management, self-esteem, and stress-management.
=Classroom Guidance Lessons- Classroom lessons are scheduled with the classroom teachers and are designed to address personal, social, academic, and career-related needs at the child's developmental level. Topics may be centered on the Dignity and Respect campaign (www.dignityandrespect.org), organization, conflict resolution, study skills, career awareness, tattling v. reporting, friendship/ social skills, responsibility, teasing/bullying, feelings, cooperation, goal setting/decision-making, and peer pressure.
Responsive Services- meeting immediate student needs (counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, referral, peer mediation).