Now What? Top 5 Things Every Counselor Should Know

Today, I had the pleasure of presenting with one of my counseling colleagues, Nicohl Shelton Webb.  Nicohl is a tech savvy elementary school counselor who presents at many national counseling conferences and is highly sought after as a leader in our state. Needless to say, I have admired her work for many years. Although we originally met in an online school counselor PLC group called #scchat, we never actually met in person...that is until we had a happenstance meeting in an airport in California. It was in the airport that we realized we had a lot in common (we lived in the same county, we had similar life experiences with our children, and we loved school counseling) and I decided that day that we had to do something together.  Finally it happened!!  Our state was offering a workshop for new counselors and I jumped at the opportunity to ask her to present with me.  Guess what, she said yes!! The result was a room full of novice and experienced counselors who were very interested in learning about what counselors should know.  Following our presentation, I decided we should share our presentation with other school counselors.  

So, here it is!!!

For several weeks, Nicohl and I bantered about the top five things a school counselor should know.  Finally, we put together a presentation that included information that we felt was imperative for any school counselor.  Whether it was year one, three, or 30, we felt that participants could greatly benefit from our tips.

Here is our list...

1.  Data

Process data answers the question “What services did you provide and for whom?”

Process data tools: monthly calendar, activity logs, and monthly reports.

Perception Data: What do people think they can do? Subjects show you what that they can do whatever you taught them.

Perception data tools: needs assessments, pre and post tests, and rating scales.

Outcome or Results Data: People can show you proof of the impact. The impact of an activity or program is documented through results data.

Outcome data tools: Action plans, results reports, and closing the gap reports. 

In our presentation, Nicohl gives an expansive list of data examples and provides a list of tech tools you can use to collect data. 

2. Advocate

Nicohl made it clear that school counselors need to advocate for their profession.  She stated that we should communicate all that we do as a professional school counselor to our staff, students, and parents throughout the year. Nicohl gave two simple ways to advocate during the year. Provide a newsletter with your activities throughout the year (in the presentation, you will see her newsletter). Educate staff and students about your profession during National School Counseling Week. Nicohl provided a link to the roles and responsibilities of school counselors from ASCA.

3.  Be Aware of Ethical Dilemmas!

According to ASCA, the top three ethical dilemmas for school counselors include:

Confidentiality and its limits (i.e. reporting abuse, harm to self, and harm to others). It is imperative to inform students of possible limitations on the counseling relationship prior to the beginning of the relationship.

Keeping a professional distance by setting boundaries in your relationship with students and parents. (i.e. Be mindful of accepting large gifts from parents or befriending students/parents on social media).

Respecting differences in cultural values and traditions. Counselors should actively attempt to understand the diverse cultural backgrounds of the students with whom they work, including their own cultural/ethnic/racial identity and its impact on their values and beliefs about the counseling process. (i.e  Instead of hosting donuts with dad consider hosting an event that is more inclusive like lattes with loved ones). 

     Our tips in the workshop to being an ethically informed counselor:

Know the ASCA Code of Ethics as well be aware of your county's code.

When in doubt consult!  A great resource is Dr. Carolyn Stone.

Consider joining appropriate professional associations. Read association publications and participate in professional development opportunities.

Stay up-to-date with laws and current court rulings, particularly those pertaining to counseling with minors.

Attend ethics training each year. 

4. Grow Your PLN 

This is how Nicohl and I initially met and a great way to connect with others across the world!

Nicohl highly recommended school counselors join online groups on Twitter and Facebook.  

Twitter PLNs and Topics

#scchat-October 2nd-Trauma Informed Schools

#mschat-September 19th-Self Esteem, Body Confidence, & Implementing Dove Self Esteem Project Confident ME! Curriculum

#hscchat-October 3rd-Financial Aid

#escchat-September 26th-Starting Out Strong

Facebook PLN

Elementary School Counselor Exchange  Caught In The Middle  High School Counselors Network Professional School Counselors of Color Georgia School Counselor Network

5. Self Care

Nicohl and I agree that care of self is important in preventing burnout. A burned out school counselor is a liability to self and others.

What are the signs of burnout?  

They include: emotional exhaustion indicated by depletion of affect; depersonalization, which is manifested by emotional disengagement or lack of empathy; and feelings of lacking personal accomplishment, meaning the professional no longer feels he/she is effectively contributing to others wellbeing.

ASCA states that we should "refrain from activity that may lead to inadequate professional services or diminish their effectiveness.”  

Following our five tips, we gave some additional information that the counselors found helpful.

Nicohl gave a great list of suggested leveled monthly activities for elementary, middle, and high school counselors.  

Also, we provided a list of counseling blogs a new counselor should follow.

Truly, I can say I had a great time presenting with Nicohl.  If you get an opportunity to see her in person...YOU SHOULD.  Nicohl is not only knowledgeable about the profession, but she is the Queen of Tech!!  

Please feel free to download and share our presentation with your colleagues.  Remember to reach out to Nicohl or myself if you have questions!