As I am sitting here trying to write something insightful on this blog, I am feeling totally at a loss for ideas. Taking care of a sick relative, the current pandemic, the deaths of two innocent men, and now riots in my home state really have me experiencing some excessive ups and downs over the last couple of days. These ups and downs became so pervasive that I found myself getting angry at my husband for little things that typically don't bother me, sitting in my recliner mindlessly watching a car show on Motortrend TV (yes, I know), carelessly dropping items over and over, and feeling detached from things I love to do. Then it hit me...I must be experiencing some secondary trauma. In fact, I looked at the list of secondary trauma symptoms and I found that I was experiencing anger, poor concentration, fatigue, detachment, sadness, feeling overwhelmed, and even intrusive thoughts. (Secondary Trauma Symptoms). Acknowledging that I was impacted by circumstances outside my control made me think of how our students must be feeling at this moment in time. Fortunately, I have insight into my emotions so I was able to make a connection fairly easily, but many of our students just don't have this ability. Also, as counselors, we must be aware of our own emotions which will be extremely important as we plan our return to school in the fall. It is important to keep a check on ourselves so that we will be able to assist our students when school is back in session. Think of the airplane mask instructions that you hear over and over (or ignore over and over) when you board a plane. Typically, the flight attendant says the same message so much that we tend to drown the person out because we have heard it a million times..."please put on your mask first before helping the person next to you." I know you are aware of self care, but I really want to encourage you to take time over the summer to relax and reflect on your own wellbeing before you go head back to school. And, speaking of going back to school, that can cause quite a bit of stress for school counselors. There are so many unknown variables that we are not sure how to plan or what to expect for upcoming year. So, as I was thinking of what to write tonight, I decided to write about some simplistic ways that school counselors can support students and use this opportunity for our profession to shine.
10 Tips for School Counselors to Consider
1. Make a Plan and Get Support from Your District or SchoolAs we know from the recent events that have occurred in our nation (the pandemic and the tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd), students will be arriving back to school with triggering emotions. If you have a seat at the planning table with your school, it is important that you express your concerns about student mental health needs, delays in academic progress, and possible classroom disruptions from students who are feeling angry and unsupported. It is important that your counseling department employ strategies for assisting students as early as possible. In addition, it is equally important that your strategies are supported by your district which can include resources, professional development, physical space, additional personnel, student groups, mental health forums, parent workshops, etc. If you are not sure about your strategy or plan for returning in the fall, you may want to conduct your own professional development to see what other school counselors and educators are doing across the country.
2. Take Professional Development Courses Over the SummerThere are tons of professional development opportunities each summer, but here are just a few suggested opportunities you may want to check out.Also, don't overlook books, webinars, and discussions with colleagues on Twitter.
3. Do Something!!Resist the urge to do nothing or stay silent about recent events when you return in the fall. Students are counting on us to speak up and provide a safe forum for them to talk or a place to go to when life becomes overwhelming. Providing small groups is a great way to open a space for students to talk about how they are feeling in a safe environment.
4. Promote Social Emotional Learning (SEL)According to CASEL, SEL skills help students "understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions." Creating a space where you can teach students to respond appropriately in social situations is powerful. Also, consider teaching your staff adult de-escalation strategies.5. Support Your Vulnerable StudentsIt is imperative to check in on vulnerable students when you return. We all have those students who are vulnerable in times of stress. It may be important to check on these students as soon as you return and offer mental health support and resources. See the online daily check in sheets available below.6. Make Your Presence KnownAt the beginning of the year, it is tempting to sit in your office working on schedules, answering the phone, or meeting with parents who want something right then. However, consider making your presence known in the building by greeting students, checking on classrooms that have vulnerable students, checking on classrooms with new teachers, welcoming students in the morning, eating in lunchroom at a table that welcomes students, or creating a mobile office. If students know you are available, they are likely to come to you before they go into crisis mode.
7. Let Parents Know They Have Your SupportParents need to know that we are available and can offer resources to them as well. Creating trusting relationships with parents is imperative at the beginning of the year.
8. Create a Support TeamYou cannot be a one man or one woman show (even though we often try). It is important to create a team of colleagues who can support you and be available to assist students. This can include your school social worker, school resource officer, school nurse, school psychologist, secretaries, custodians, and teachers who are school advocates.
9. Create or Support a School Conflict Resolution ProgramMore than ever, students need conflict skills to handle problems effectively rather than resorting to violence or doing nothing. Some different conflict resolution program techniques include Restorative Practices, Peer Mediation, Bias Awareness, Upstander Skills, Allyship, Affinity Spaces (a group of people like you who will support you), Problem Solving Skills, Cooperation, and Affirmation.10. Employ Regular Self-CareI cannot emphasize this enough. Some of you will listen and some of you will say, "I don't have enough time to take care of myself." Find ways to employ good self care techniques in your daily schedule so that you don't find yourself experiencing burn out or compassion fatigue. You may want to complete this worksheet to see if you have a self care routine that can sustain you during times of stress. Below are some articles that may assist you in thinking of some self care routines.
As we end one school year and embark on a new school year, I hope you have a restful summer break and find something helpful in this post!
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