A school counsellor is a counsellor usually working in the school, college or university environment.
They may be full time, part time or work on a freelance or consultancy basis.
A school counsellor is there to help the pupils or students through difficulties. These issues usually relate to academic, social and emotional issues. These can be include issues, such as bullying, eating disorders, educational difficulties, behavioural problems, absenteeism, punctuality etc etc. The counsellor may also be involved in working with parents/guardians through educational issues with a child.
School counsellors may also be involved in teaching some aspects of the curriculum, such as sexuality, personal health and so on. They may also run training sessions for children on issues that affect them, such as cyber bullying, keeping safe etc. The actual role will vary from school to school.
Opportunities
School counselling can be a rewarding career, offering a lot of opportunities for the counsellor to help students through difficulties they are experiencing in their life or education.
A school counsellor may also branch into other areas, offering training and teaching in particular areas etc, which opens up the opportunities to make the role varied and interesting.
Risks and Challenges
As with any counselling job, the role of the school counsellor can be demanding and stressful at times. They are supporting people through difficulties in their lives, and this can be especially upsetting when you are supporting children in distress.
School counsellors are at risk of burn out in the same way as other counsellors. They may also be working as the only counsellor within a school setting, so support and supervision may be limited on a day to day basis.
How to become a School Counsellor
Some people start out working in education, and evolving into counselling. Others start by doing voluntary work (unpaid) as a counsellor, or undertaking a course.
A school counsellor may be a counsellor who has chosen to specialise in school work or a teacher who has chosen to also be a counsellor.
Pastoral care workers may also choose to qualify further in school counselling.
Undertaking a short course or certificate is often a better way to start, than going straight into a larger course like a degree or diploma.This allows you to lay a foundation and develop an awareness of what counselling is all about, before deciding on the exact areas of specialist knowledge.
Studies alone will not guarantee a successful career though. You must also get experience; even if it is only casual, part time or unpaid voluntary work.
School counsellors are often employed from among the ranks of existing school staff (eg. Teachers, teachers aids, even office administration staff). If you can get employed in a school, whatever the capacity; and at the same time, develop skills and experience in counselling; you will be putting yourself in a vastly improved position to move forward into a career as a school counsellor.
Other related jobs
Pastoral care
Educational Psychologist
Specialist educational counsellor
Counsellor
Trainer
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