School counselors are an integral part of the education system. They help students navigate problems with confidence and create a safe school environment. More importantly, they also serve the social and personal needs of students through the form of advice and scheduled meetings, hence school counselors are an active advocate for the well-being of students.
How can they help?
There is a myriad of ways in which school counselors can be of service to students and it is essential that they are appreciated and acknowledged –
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “an estimated 1 in 5 children are diagnosed with mental disorders such as ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, and autism spectrum disorders.” School counselors assist in such matters and make it easier for students to be integrated into their school community.
- A study by the research journal School Psychology Quarterly found that a mere 34 percent of teachers and counselors surveyed felt that they had the skills needed to identify mental health issues in students and find resources for students with mental health conditions.
- When left neglected, students’ mental health needs can pose serious barriers to social and educational development. Unique qualifications are required to provide education, intervention, and referral services to children.
- School counselors know how to listen and help. They will take your problem seriously and work with you to find a good solution. School counselors are trained to help with everything, and it does not have to be just school stuff.
- School counselors are integrated into the rest of the school community and, in many cases, the outside community as well. So, they can refer students to outside resources like professional therapists and even health clinics.
How can I see a school counselor?
Counselors typically have their own offices in which you can schedule meetings with them for one-to-one sessions regarding any issue you may be facing. Different schools have numerous policies for meeting with the school counselor, however it is highly recommended that you make yourself familiar with the school counselor! This will help you feel comfortable, hence enabling you to share your concerns more effectively.
Should I visit my school counselor?
The answer is yes! Although you may not feel like anything is particularly wrong, discussing how you feel or simply talking to someone whose job is to listen enables you to vent and release stress. An article published in the American School Board Journal that found that the work of school counselors has been shown to reduce the likelihood of suicide among student populations.
Thus, even if you feel that something is not wrong or are unable to phrase it in cohesive words, then you should definitely consider visiting the school counselor. Typically, they are able to understand our issues and locate them effectively without us explicitly stating them, which further allows us to understand how we can cope with our emotions.
Hence, it is important that we take the time to visit our school counselor and appreciate their contribution to the education team, as well as taking the opportunity to discuss any conflicting emotions or feelings in order to ensure that we maintain our mental health in the school environment.