I remember the guidance counselor in my high school. I remember the guidance counselor in my junior high school. But I don’t remember ever going to their offices. They didn’t seem to do anything; especially the guidance counselor in my high school. She was responsible for sending out our college applications but I never knew who she was nor did I sit in her office and ask her for “guidance” on my emotional problems. When I was in high school I was shy and introverted and I didn’t feel like I could trust adults except for my parents to tell them my mental health issues. Guidance counselors are supposed to “guide“ us and help us to realize what our issues are as well as help us feel better; by “us” I mean children and adolescents.
After I graduated college I went on to pursue higher education. I was in graduate school to get my Masters in education in order to work with clients in substance-abuse settings. The program overlapped with the guidance counseling department at Hunter College. I met empathetic people who were training to be guidance counselors. The problem was there were no jobs in this field. If you’re lucky enough to get a job as a guidance counselor in New York City the only way you’re leaving that job is if you die. These people get paid almost $80,000 a year if they stay for a long period. However I have not seen a guidance counselor do anything productive. The funny thing is that therapy outside of schools is expensive. Children could receive free therapy in schools if this person did a competent job.
A guidance counselor differs from a school social worker. The school social worker is someone I have seen do things that actually help children with serious emotional problems including bullying, suicidal ideation, depression and anxiety. But that person has different credentials from a guidance counselor. The school social worker has a Masters in Social Work and is trained to help children with mental health concerns.
Maybe my experience is unique? Perhaps there are guidance counselors out there who genuinely help children. I’m hopeful that those people exist because children and adolescents need them desperately. Adults should help children with emotional problems find their way. It’s a shame that there are so many adults who don’t listen to children and write their concerns off. This creates an environment where children are untrusting of adults.
The word “guidance” has the word “guide” in it, which leads me to believe that a counselor’s job is to guide youth in the right direction. This means empowering children and adolescents to believe in themselves. This could be a phenomenally fulfilling position if done right.
I believe it’s possible for a guidance counselor to impact a child in a profound way. This role is trenI am curious to know if you or someone you know has had a wonderful experience with the guidance counselor.
Have you ever return to a guidance counselor for help? Has that person lead you to a place where you felt you could solve your own problems?
Can guidance counselors help students with real problems?