One of the most unnoticed, and perhaps unappreciated service in the education system is counseling, yet its impact is profound and long-lasting. Counseling provides students with the support they need to navigate the complexities of school life, including academic challenges, social pressures, emotional difficulties, and personal growth. The vital role of school counselors cannot be underestimated as they ensure that students not only succeed academically but also develop the necessary skills for healthy emotional and social development.
School counseling is a professional service provided by trained counselors who work within schools to support students’ academic, emotional, social, and career development. Counselors are there to guide students through challenges, provide individual and group counseling, teach valuable life skills, and collaborate with parents and teachers to ensure the well-being of the students. Gachenia, L. & Mwenje, M. (2021) further state that school counseling is intended to help students overcome problems that affect their academic performance in school by helping then adjust emotionally, physically, mentally and socially. School counseling services are rooted in the idea that a healthy, well-adjusted student is better positioned to succeed in their learning journey.
What is the role of school counseling?
- To support the mental and emotional wellbeing of students when faced with challenges that can affect them e.g. depression, anxiety, stress, bullying, family issues, or personal struggles.
- To provide academic guidance and support by helping students set realistic goals, plan their academic paths, and develop strategies to overcome arising obstacles.
- To help students develop healthy interpersonal, relational and conflict resolution skills which help foster a culture of respect and a sense of community.
- To inspire students to embrace a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, while addressing any issues of discrimination or prejudice that may arise.
- To prevent and address behavioural challenges that are common in school-aged children by providing strategies that encourage self-regulation, responsibility and respect for others. School counselors offered tailored support to address these challenges as there is no one-size fits all strategy.
- To provide support during crises such as a personal tragedy, a natural disaster, or a traumatic event within and outside the school.
School counselors do not work in isolation. The success of any school counseling program relies on collaboration between counselors, parents, and teachers. Parents and teachers play an important role in identifying when a child may need counseling and in reinforcing the strategies and skills taught by the counselor. Open communication and teamwork ensure that the child’s needs are being met both at school and at home.
Counselors also serve as a bridge between the school and parents, providing guidance on how to support a child’s emotional and academic needs at home. Engaging parents in the counseling process helps create a holistic approach to the child’s well-being.
Indeed, the role of school counseling services cannot be underrated. Schools that are willing to provide professional counseling services to enhance a child’s academic experience must be highly commended. Investing in school counseling services is a worthwhile investment because each child is viewed as a whole individual rather than just an academic statistic. By providing holistic counseling services, schools help to foster well-rounded, confident individuals who are better equipped to thrive in both their school years and beyond.
By Lucy Simiyu, School Psychologist at Crawford International School