What is a School Counsellor?
School counsellors are trained professionals within educational settings who provide guidance and support to students. They help with academic advising, career planning, and personal development, including mental health support.
Why Talk to a School Counsellor?
- Confidential Support: Conversations with your counsellor remain private, offering a safe space to share your thoughts and feelings.
- Academic and Career Guidance: Beyond personal support, counsellors can assist with your academic progress and future career plans.
- Emotional and Mental Health: They can help you navigate emotional challenges, stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.
- Resource Connection: Counsellors can connect you with additional support services, both within and outside the school.
Preparing for Your Meeting
- Identify Your Needs: Consider what you hope to achieve from the counselling session.
- Write Down Your Thoughts: Jotting down points you want to discuss can help you remember and articulate your concerns during the meeting.
- Be Open-Minded: School counsellors are there to support you, not judge. Being open can help you get the most out of your sessions.
During the Session
- Share Honestly: Your counsellor can best support you when they understand what you're going through.
- Ask Questions: If you have concerns about confidentiality, the counselling process, or next steps, don't hesitate to ask.
- Discuss Next Steps: Talk about what comes after the session, whether it's follow-up meetings, strategies to manage stress, or other resources.
After the Session
- Reflect on the Conversation: Think about what was discussed and any insights gained.
- Follow Through: If you and your counsellor agreed on actions (like trying stress management techniques), give them a try.
- Keep Communicating: Counselling is often most effective over multiple sessions. Keep the lines of communication open.