Presentations/Conceptions of School Counselors

Last week’s presentations were enlightening.  I was interested in learning about the different evidence based research.  One that hit home for me was the suicide piece presented by Karen.  While all presentations were well done, I was able to relate to this topic on a personal level.  This is an area that we have to be cautious about because you have to take every threat or statement seriously.  The scary part is that the individual may seem fine, but then one day they snap and complete the unthinkable of taking their own life.  My sister is going through a lot of this year with a death in the family, work schedule, and high expectations at school.  Due to these stressors in her life, she was at this breaking point where she did not feel that her life was important.  At this point she seems to be doing okay; however, she has not received the proper support that is needed to help her with dealing with situations that may arise.  Being in this field, it is hard to not to jump in and start trying to counsel.  Instead, I am working with her to find counseling to ensure that these thoughts of taking her life do not repeat. 

On another note, in regards to the article on “School Administrators’ Conceptions of the School Counselor Role,” I found it to be realistic in terms of various opinions.  As an educator, I have seen the shift in the thought of roles played by teachers, administrators, and counselors.  When it comes to teaching, we constantly are rethinking our strategies to ensure the best education for the students.  Then with administrators, Amatea and Clark (2005) state that they need to look at how they lead a school and the relationships that are developed.  Finally, with counselors, it is looked at how they should also be seen as educational leaders.  On that note,   leadership is a controversial topic in regards to the counseling profession.  Counselors should be seen as leader but are often not.  This then leads to the results that I read regarding the study that was done.  When I was reviewing the results I was not surprised because it is highly realistic for there to be different opinions depending on what school or district you are in.  Counselors play a major role in the school setting and it is important as future counselors to be aware of the responsibilities that we agree with as well as the roles we will not agree to.    

Amatea, E. S. & Clark, M. A. (2005). Changing schools, changing counselors: A qualitative study of school administrators' conceptions of the school counselor role. Professional School Counseling, 9(1), 16-27.