Happy Counseling Awareness Month! When you think or hear the word counselor, what occupations come to mind? A psychologist, school guidance counselor, doctor, or attorney?
When I went to school, I thought going to see the school counselor meant something was wrong (later I was surprised the school counselor could counsel me with my academics). I would like to take this opportunity to briefly define and discuss the word counselor.
I Googled the definition of counselor using several queries, and was surprised at the variety of definitions—especially from Dictionary.com whose provided definitions ranged from a person who counsels, to faculty member, or trial lawyer. Whenever searching for a specific definition, the search should be focused on credible and professional websites, organizations, and associations for top answers.
While Dictionary.com does a nice job providing a variety of common societal perceptions of the definition, the National Career Development Association (NCDA) summarizes the impact of a professional counselor in a simple sentence. The NCDA (2011) states a counselor provides, “a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education and career goals.” The NCDA is a recognized leader in developing standards for career development professions through a variety of programs and services. The NCDA frequently is consulted by the national media on career-related issues, and continuously promotes global sharing of workforce policy and practices as well as the research in the growing field of career development.
A counselor can be anyone who influences and changes lives. More than likely, we have all played the role of a counselor at some point in our lives, but seeking counseling outside of those we know is perhaps the best way to appropriately deal with issues or find solutions.
A particular type of counselor I think we tend to overlook is a school career counselor. School counselors help students develop social skills and make career decisions by assisting them in choosing a career or educational program. The U.S. ranks twelfth among developed countries whose percentage of young adults without college degrees due to the lack of career counselors in schools. Schools are filled to capacity with students, and you can tell by comparing the national student-to-counselor ratio to the recommended average. The current national average student-to-counselor ratio is 500:1; however, to provide the best services to students, the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommends the ratio should be 250:1. Currently, there are only four states and providences that meet this standard: New Hampshire (235:1), Vermont (235:1), Wyoming (200:1), and the U.S. Virgin Islands (182:1). California ranks last in the nation with the highest student-to-counselor ratio at 1,016:1 (ASCA, 2011).
The counseling profession provides a needed set of skills and services to our schools, students, and communities that individuals can harness, apply to their own lives, and experience life changing results! I should know, I’m a career coach at Kuder and I have witnessed firsthand the benefits our coaching program provides clients of all ages. If you are a parent, high school or college student, or an adult ready for a new career move, seek out a career counselor to help you navigate life’s journey.
Reference:
American School Counselor Association. (2011). Student-to-school-counselor ratio. Retrieved from www.schoolcounselor.org/asca/media/asca/home/ratios10-11.pdf
The National Career Development Association. (2011). Definition of counseling approved by the NCDA Board. Retrieved from http://www.ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sd/news_article/46430/_PARENT/layout_details/fal
Who’s Amanda?
Amanda is a career coach for the Kuder® Coach™ program. She conducts coaching sessions for students and adults needing assistance in setting and achieving career goals using personalized, qualified support. Amanda is also an adjunct professor at Des Moines Area Community College and holds two masters degrees in communication studies and administration and leadership in higher education. Reach out to Amanda by tweeting her using @kuder or connecting with her on LinkedIn.
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