When considering a profession in the field of psychology the professional must consider all the elements that are involved. This paper highlights two theories that are frequently used in school counseling and how these theories have matured over time. Next, I will discuss a theory that was once highly utilized in school counseling that is not as heavily employed today. This paper will then go on to address a research method often used in school counseling. I will conclude the paper with a research article that uses that research method.
The role of the school counselor is an ever-evolving role. As the name suggests counseling is the primary purpose of a school counselor. Per the American School Counselor Association (2012), school counselors
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Alfred Adler brought forth the concepts of family and group counseling and using public education as a means to address community health (Adler University, n.d.). The Adlerian theory opened the eyes of many to the social impact on mental health (Adler University, n.d.). The changes in the Adlerian theory have less to do with the theory itself and more to do with its use. As society begins to put more emphasis on equality, civil rights, mutual respect, and similar elements the more emphasis we put on Adler’s theory. Carl Rogers originally developed the person-centered theory as an individual nondirective process (Pearson Education, Inc., 2010). He later expanded the concepts to emphasize the understanding of the client’s dimensions, allowing it to be used as a group theory (Pearson Education, Inc., 2010). Most recently Rogers expressed how using the same concepts can help promote world peace and end the international conflict (Pearson Education, Inc., 2010). Neither theory has changed so dramatically that is it virtually unrecognizable from its original …show more content…
As with any other method of research, qualitative assessment begins with determining what it is the researcher wants to know. Farber (2006) suggests that qualitative approaches are used when the researcher is looking for a more in-depth, holistic perspective; he or she will observe environments, programs, and/or events as well as interview groups of people (students, families, educators, etc.). Observations can include detailed descriptions of the participants, settings, events, and activities in addition to personal reactions, thoughts, and feelings among other details (Farber, 2006). School counselors have a unique skill set that lends itself to qualitative interviews; such as, the ability to build rapport without judgment, make people feel at ease, and active listening skills. When conducting interviews, establish rapport, set the tone, address confidentiality, discuss the purpose and address any questions, comments, and/or concerns those being interviewed might have (Farber, 2006). Many interviewers have a list of predetermined questions to help him or her gain the desired insight; however, a good interviewer opens him- or herself up to building upon the questions or asking additional questions depending on the answers
Alfred Adler was born in 1870. He published his first major psychology book, Understanding Human Nature, in 1959. Alder has a passionate concern for the common person and he was very outspoken about child-rearing practices, school reforms, and prejudices that resulted in conflict. Alder created 32 child guidance clinics in the Vienna public schools and began training teachers, social workers, physicians, and other professionals. Alder believes that where we are striving to go is more important than where we have come from. He saw humans as both the c...
Looking for new and more effective ways to treat the issues of their clients, counselors and therapists may often begin to consider leading a group therapy session. Group therapy is a form of therapy in which a therapist either treats or provides psychoeducational skills to a small, carefully planned target group of individuals in an effort to ameliorate the issues and dysfunctions of each individual in that particular group of patients together (Scheidlinger, 2004). In this group, therapists often utilize some of the psychotherapy theories such as Gestalt, transactional analysis, psychotherapy or psychodrama which they often use to treat clients individually.
Alfred Adler was the founder of Adlerian Counseling. He was born in 1870 in the country of Austria. who gave his theory the name Individual Psychology, because he wanted people to see that his theory and methods were designed to help clients help themselves. He believed that everyone had and internal need to be a part of society, and a desire to contribute to that society. That everyone strives for perfection, and everyone initially feels inferior to everyone else. He believed that when that feeling is not overcome, inferiority complexes develop, and if a person tries to overcompensate for inferiority, the develop superiority complex.
As a future school counselor I do not think there is just one type of theory that will work with all of my students. A few of the theories that stood out to me over the semester were choice theory, person-centered therapy, and solution focused therapy.
It is my desire to have involvement with students, parents, education professionals, community, and community agencies. As I move forward with learning the role and responsibilities of the professional school counselor, I am reminded of a quote by Carol Allen Simmons, “I want to lend a helping to show someone the way. I want my life to be an example as I go, cause I never pass this way again.” I will lead, learn and grow in the knowledge of this profession because I only have a short time to impact students with direction and care. As I advance on how to educate the whole student; I am attentive, motivated, and conscious of the huge responsible to education all.
Whiston, S.C. & T.L. Sexton, “A review of school counseling outcome research: implications for practice”. Journal of Counseling and Development. Fall 1998. Volume 76
School counseling has evolved over the years into a significant component of the educational system. School counselors are taking on new roles in schools as leaders, working with “school administration and staff in developing student attitudes and behavior which are necessary to maintain proper control, acceptable standards of self-discipline and a suitable learning environment within the school” (Secondary School Counselor 2012). Counselors work in “diverse community settings designed to provide a variety of counseling, rehabilitation, and support services” (Counselors, 2010). When working in a school district as a counselor, you can either be an elementary school counselor, middle school counselor or a high school counselor. This essays explores a recent interview with a high school counselor.
American School Counselor Association. (2012). The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, Third Edition. Alexandria, VA: Author.
I cannot recall a more rewarding experience than helping facilitate a child’s education while enabling parent participation alike. These experiences have drawn me to my current position as an Educational Assistant where I am constantly interacting and establishing relationships with students, learning about their goals and aspirations. It is that same desire to empower our future students that has steered me towards a career as a school counselor. By enrolling in the Masters in counseling program, I aspire to develop methods and experience to become an effective, experienced, and adaptable school counselor that promotes self-awareness, allowing students to realize their full potential and impetus them towards a promising future. I want to learn skills that facilitate personal and career development, ensuring that our students grow accomplishing their goals and ambitions. To discover techniques that help students improve in all areas of academic achievement, establishing relationships with students and parents alike. By becoming a school counselor, I am determined to become an advocate for underserved youth. I aim to become an effective agent educational reform, providing support for students in the various institutions that may disempower
Theoretical Perspective: This semester in procedures of counseling class we discussed a lot of different types of counseling theories. We also did a lot of practicing with each theory with our partners. I found that person-centered therapy best fits my personal attitudes and style of counseling. I think this would be a good style of counseling for me because I can see myself better helping people as a whole than trying to fix an actual problem.
School counseling is important to me because I believe all students should have a safe place to come to if they are having any mental health or school issues. When I was a young child, I started to act out in school as my parents were going through divorce. I wish that I would have had a fun environment away from the classroom to talk to someone about how I was feeling. As I grew up, I developed depression and anxiety. In high school, the guidance counselors did not seem to know how to advise me to handle my problems. It even came down to a guidance counselor suggesting that I was “faking it” because when she saw me in the hallways, I was happy. This misconception about mental illness only caused me to become more entrapped in my depression, and I never want another student to feel as if they are belittled or an attention seeker.
The concept of Adlerian family therapy was theorized by Alfred Adler and is one of the first psychiatrists to embark on family therapy. The principle of Adlerian family therapy is an individual and social system is holistic and inseparable in nature, behavior is interactive and with a purpose and the individual seeks meaning by acceptance in a social system. A family is generally the social system which an individual seeks acceptance. A principle of Adlerian family therapy is subjective, each person generates their own meaning from their experiences. The life roles and life meaning is greatly influenced by family environment, which individuals form their own private logic or their view of the world. The family problems can be related to faulty private logic and discouragement within the family. Adlerian family therapy incorporates the additional concept, parents and children tend to get locked into negative interactions which are repetitive and grounded on mistaken goals, resulting in motivation for family members. The key theories of Adlerian family therapy is family atmosphere, family constellation, and mistaken goals.
One aspect I found striking was the role of advice giving in counseling. Prior to this class, I knew that counselors did not typically give opinions or advice to lead a client in a certain direction. What I did not know was the entire reasoning behind this. A counselor might avoid giving advice so that a client learns to make his/her own decisions, does not become dependent on the counselor, and to ensure that a client will not later blame the counselor if the counselor’s advice did not turn out well. In this context, I have a better appreciation and understanding of why therapists refrain from telling the client what to do.
The purpose of counseling with students, parents, and teachers is to help students maximize their potential. The elementary school counselor also conducts guidance lessons; consults with parents, teachers, and other professionals; and coordinates student services in the school (Gartner, Larson, & Allen, 1995). Counseling and guidance programs provide elementary students with assistance in: understanding self and developing a positive self-image, showing respect for the feelings of others, understanding the decision-making process, developing effective study skills, being prepared to make the transition to the intermediate school, and gaining an understanding of the world of work (Finney & Maloney, 1985; McCullough, 1995; Paloma & Pendelton, 1991). Counseling is conducted with students and parents individually and in small groups when requested and determined appropriate. It is short-term, voluntary, and confidential.
A guidance counselor is an important element in the formation of post high school plans. Counselors offer an outlet of information that should be used by all students. There are numerous ways for the counselor to approach post high school planning.