As an elementary school counselor, one of the most difficult things we are asked to do is be involved heavily with behavior which then leads to discipline and it severely impacts our relationship with students and takes us away from our true role. I completely relate to the idea of constantly putting out fires and never feeling proactive. There is so much need in our school right now.
Thanks this video is so needed. Often us counselors are on an island. Like you said the most challenging thing is navigating conflict that involve social media. When it is brought into the schools it absorb so much of our time. Last year I spend a considerable amount of time doing bullying investigations. I'm blessed to say this year I no longer have to investigate. This is because I was honest with my principal regarding how much time it takes and she removed me from this task. Keep the videos coming!!!
I’m currently working on my application for masters program in school counseling. This video is so helpful as it is a sort of reality check! What are the major differences between working as a school counselor and working as a mental health professional?
OMG! Everything you listed is what I'm experiencing as I enter my 6th year as the middle school counselor. Only thing I do not have to deal with is scheduling😅 However, investigating social media beefs amonst students that has carried over to school or "hearsay" has been the bulk of my days thus far. Plus, because some of the teachers do not agree with my approach to dealing with students in a non-punitive way, there is somewhat conflict between myself and the teachers. I'm frustrate😐 But thank you for validating my feelings and identifying that imposter syndrome is real😢
You have to remember though you have a job to be their advocate not to make friends. I am trying to remember this and trying to show the teachers support (sleep tea with a note for Student Sleep Health week) and lots of validation of their feelings.
You are 100% on point with all of these points. As a middle school counselor, we are made to Chair IEPs, Chair, and schedule 504s, Chair and schedule SSTs and of course create the entire master schedule for a population of 500 middle schoolers, AND counsel kids simultaneously. I wish we had more time and energy to advocate, working from 7:30-4pm, and then we have to go fight for those appropriate vs. inappropriate activities. Seems so overwhelming.
I appreciate all the engagement in these posts. How realistic is it for counselors to not be in involved in the “inappropriate activities”? I feel like some of the duties make counselors to be disciplinarians and at the same time schools don’t have enough staff to pass these duties to others. Should counselors still stand their ground and refuse those activities or do we just have to give in?
@@UnitedRedDevil13 honestly it really depends! Some duties like lunch duty, morning arrival, and dismissal duty are great opportunities to check in with and build relationships with students 😊
Ugh I needed this right now! Thank you so much for sharing. As an elementary school counselor, I feel I’m being pulled in ten directions at once. Trying to maintain proactive counseling (groups and lessons) while putting out fires is exhausting. I know so many counselors in my district don’t even run groups anymore and I don’t want to become that person but I see why! We become the only person that is there for the students mental health because outside help is so hard to come by. It’s for sure an uphill battle. I love it so much but I’m struggling this year. 😢
Ohhhh the job of high school counseling! My first year was last year as a MS counselor and it was interesting to say the least. I applied for high school and this is my second year. I've got mixed feelings (might as well try elementary if I'm given the opportunity!) I do find that bringing things home allows for no interruptions. As always I thoroughly appreciate you Mr. B.! Thank you!
You hit it spot on! I’ve been a school counselor for 20 years and so much has changed since I started. Are you still a school counselor? I’ve managed over 504s this year beyond my main responsibilities. It’s just too much.
You nailed it John! Somehow we get resourceful, and rely on our experiences and our creativity to help us serve the students in our care, but it is hard at times.
This is a great video! Could you make a video on the role of the school counselor during school investigation? I am new to the field and I have been called to join meetings where the student is interrogated. I usually don’t say anything and just take notes. I feel I don’t know what to ask without making the students feel guilty like my principal does.
I would like to remind you your job is to advocate for the student. So maybe you can help the student with their words or help steer the conversation towards a proactivity and problem solving rather than it be a message that they are bad, which only reinforces more of the same.
@@counselingwithmrb I have been having major issues with this school to be honest. My daughter has been through a lot and now she thinks her counselor is recording her. She doesn’t trust her anymore to keep their conversations private. I am just wondering why I was never contacted. I put the request in for the counselor to start seeing my daughter a couple months ago. Now I don’t even get the calls. Let alone, I was always under the impression that it’s confidential between the two of them. Unless she’s talking about harming herself. Which isn’t the case.
Hello, I found this video really informative. I am also a new school counsellor at a school in Karachi, Pakistan. I would like to connect with you to have a discussion on the scope and challenges. Can we connect?
24 years in and I'm done at this point. Hence, why I'm watching these videos. I'm looking for a way out because I'm tapped out and have nothing left. For all those others out there, please construct a Plan B before you get to this place in your career.
@counselingwithmrb I am, but I honestly never feel I have time to go on FB. I have other school counselors at other schools, but they are kind of new at it too
@@bwash6743 check out and share my new school counselor playlist! Hope it helps th-cam.com/play/PLyLl5RV3cWYsKkdRrYyE6JZIday3IEgqm.html&si=5jhQzr4tBG7UZOPQ
Hi I am in school to become a School Counselor but originally I was going to school for Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I have been battling in my decisions because I currently work in the school as a Title I Family Engagement Facilitator also known as a parent liaison and I know that education is a demanding field to be in but I really enjoy having flexibility to have holidays and summers off. I also have a child in the school I work in but watching this video gives me mixed feelings. I am aware that if I go to school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling it seems to me a lot to do to even get licensed and certification which is overwhelming also. What suggestions can you give me? I am passionate about education and children but at the end of the day it is stressful.
It honestly depends on your goals and the program/university you choose. For school counseling, you need the degree and to pass the certification exam (which isn’t too hard if you’ve worked in a school setting) I hope you figure out what’s best. Let me know if you have questions 😊
@@counselingwithmrb oh okay thanks for your reply and yes I am attending Walden University in M.S School Counseling. I’m just nervous of choosing the wrong career path. 😬 Anyways thanks for sharing insights about it. Love watching your videos.
@splendentwomenshealthandwe9422 think about why you’d like to be a school counselor. Towards the end you’ll also complete a practicum/internship at all 3 grade levels to help you understand which level you’d like to work with!
As an elementary school counselor, one of the most difficult things we are asked to do is be involved heavily with behavior which then leads to discipline and it severely impacts our relationship with students and takes us away from our true role. I completely relate to the idea of constantly putting out fires and never feeling proactive. There is so much need in our school right now.
I Can definitely relate. I used to be in charge of bus discipline. This was my 2nd year as a counselor and before I knew any better.
Thanks this video is so needed. Often us counselors are on an island. Like you said the most challenging thing is navigating conflict that involve social media. When it is brought into the schools it absorb so much of our time. Last year I spend a considerable amount of time doing bullying investigations. I'm blessed to say this year I no longer have to investigate. This is because I was honest with my principal regarding how much time it takes and she removed me from this task. Keep the videos coming!!!
Social media drama is the WORST! Sometimes I hate that students have smartphones 😂. Glad your principal was understanding!👏🏽
I agree- being a school counselor is NOT for the weak at heart.
I’m currently working on my application for masters program in school counseling. This video is so helpful as it is a sort of reality check! What are the major differences between working as a school counselor and working as a mental health professional?
That’s a great question. I’ll make a quick video about it because I’ve done both! 😊 are you currently an educator?
I left counseling after 18 years to teacher sped in behavior. Thanks for the video
Wow! Why did you leave?
Thanks for sharing this video man
Thank you for watching. Did anything stand out to you?
OMG! Everything you listed is what I'm experiencing as I enter my 6th year as the middle school counselor. Only thing I do not have to deal with is scheduling😅 However, investigating social media beefs amonst students that has carried over to school or "hearsay" has been the bulk of my days thus far. Plus, because some of the teachers do not agree with my approach to dealing with students in a non-punitive way, there is somewhat conflict between myself and the teachers. I'm frustrate😐 But thank you for validating my feelings and identifying that imposter syndrome is real😢
I have experienced the same with the disconnect with teachers bc of my approach…it can get in the way of relationships.
@@counselingwithmrb❤
You have to remember though you have a job to be their advocate not to make friends. I am trying to remember this and trying to show the teachers support (sleep tea with a note for Student Sleep Health week) and lots of validation of their feelings.
You are 100% on point with all of these points. As a middle school counselor, we are made to Chair IEPs, Chair, and schedule 504s, Chair and schedule SSTs and of course create the entire master schedule for a population of 500 middle schoolers, AND counsel kids simultaneously. I wish we had more time and energy to advocate, working from 7:30-4pm, and then we have to go fight for those appropriate vs. inappropriate activities. Seems so overwhelming.
Yea some of the titles need to be passed on to someone else lol 😂
I appreciate all the engagement in these posts. How realistic is it for counselors to not be in involved in the “inappropriate activities”? I feel like some of the duties make counselors to be disciplinarians and at the same time schools don’t have enough staff to pass these duties to others. Should counselors still stand their ground and refuse those activities or do we just have to give in?
@@UnitedRedDevil13 honestly it really depends! Some duties like lunch duty, morning arrival, and dismissal duty are great opportunities to check in with and build relationships with students 😊
Ugh I needed this right now! Thank you so much for sharing. As an elementary school counselor, I feel I’m being pulled in ten directions at once. Trying to maintain proactive counseling (groups and lessons) while putting out fires is exhausting. I know so many counselors in my district don’t even run groups anymore and I don’t want to become that person but I see why! We become the only person that is there for the students mental health because outside help is so hard to come by. It’s for sure an uphill battle. I love it so much but I’m struggling this year. 😢
You are definitely not alone. I usually try groups in October but I’m trying to find my balance in a new school so I get it!
Keep the faith!!
Ohhhh the job of high school counseling! My first year was last year as a MS counselor and it was interesting to say the least. I applied for high school and this is my second year. I've got mixed feelings (might as well try elementary if I'm given the opportunity!)
I do find that bringing things home allows for no interruptions. As always I thoroughly appreciate you Mr. B.! Thank you!
All three levels have their challenges and joys 😊. The only level I haven’t done is high school. I’m not sure if I ever would try HS
You hit it spot on! I’ve been a school counselor for 20 years and so much has changed since I started. Are you still a school counselor? I’ve managed over 504s this year beyond my main responsibilities. It’s just too much.
Yes I’m in middle school! I love it. I can be a lot but no day is the same. Every day is something different. This is my 7th year.❤️
You nailed it John! Somehow we get resourceful, and rely on our experiences and our creativity to help us serve the students in our care, but it is hard at times.
I always say that educators are the most resourceful people in the world 🤗😂
This is a great video! Could you make a video on the role of the school counselor during school investigation? I am new to the field and I have been called to join meetings where the student is interrogated. I usually don’t say anything and just take notes. I feel I don’t know what to ask without making the students feel guilty like my principal does.
What kinds of investigations?😊
I would like to remind you your job is to advocate for the student. So maybe you can help the student with their words or help steer the conversation towards a proactivity and problem solving rather than it be a message that they are bad, which only reinforces more of the same.
Thank for this video
Thank you for watching 😊
You're definitely right about the politics of everything.
It’s crazy…we do what we can depending on where we live 😅
I need help with rules flog confidential information being shared from school counselor to my daughters step mom.
You should call the school and meet with the school leader or registrar in charge of student documentation.😊
@@counselingwithmrb I have been having major issues with this school to be honest. My daughter has been through a lot and now she thinks her counselor is recording her. She doesn’t trust her anymore to keep their conversations private. I am just wondering why I was never contacted. I put the request in for the counselor to start seeing my daughter a couple months ago. Now I don’t even get the calls. Let alone, I was always under the impression that it’s confidential between the two of them. Unless she’s talking about harming herself. Which isn’t the case.
Hello, I found this video really informative. I am also a new school counsellor at a school in Karachi, Pakistan. I would like to connect with you to have a discussion on the scope and challenges. Can we connect?
Join my Facebook group and we can connect and share resources ⬇️
facebook.com/groups/858983358353597/?ref=share_group_link
@@counselingwithmrb Can you please tell the name of the group. I am somehow unable to open the link.
The Learning Lab: educators and mental health professionals unite
@@counselingwithmrb request sent.
24 years in and I'm done at this point. Hence, why I'm watching these videos. I'm looking for a way out because I'm tapped out and have nothing left. For all those others out there, please construct a Plan B before you get to this place in your career.
I hope that you find peace in your decision. 24 years is a great accomplishment!
Or my mentor is not even a school counselor 😅
Wow! Are you a part of Facebook groups? That can help! Join mine⬇️😊
facebook.com/groups/858983358353597/?ref=share_group_link
@counselingwithmrb I am, but I honestly never feel I have time to go on FB. I have other school counselors at other schools, but they are kind of new at it too
@@bwash6743 check out and share my new school counselor playlist! Hope it helps
th-cam.com/play/PLyLl5RV3cWYsKkdRrYyE6JZIday3IEgqm.html&si=5jhQzr4tBG7UZOPQ
I cannot recommend this job to anyone with the current climate this job is in. I'll be honest, this job needs to collapse before it gets better.
Honestly it depends on your grade level, district, school, and city! 😊
Hi I am in school to become a School Counselor but originally I was going to school for Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I have been battling in my decisions because I currently work in the school as a Title I Family Engagement Facilitator also known as a parent liaison and I know that education is a demanding field to be in but I really enjoy having flexibility to have holidays and summers off. I also have a child in the school I work in but watching this video gives me mixed feelings. I am aware that if I go to school for Clinical Mental Health Counseling it seems to me a lot to do to even get licensed and certification which is overwhelming also. What suggestions can you give me? I am passionate about education and children but at the end of the day it is stressful.
It honestly depends on your goals and the program/university you choose. For school counseling, you need the degree and to pass the certification exam (which isn’t too hard if you’ve worked in a school setting)
I hope you figure out what’s best. Let me know if you have questions 😊
@@counselingwithmrb oh okay thanks for your reply and yes I am attending Walden University in M.S School Counseling. I’m just nervous of choosing the wrong career path. 😬 Anyways thanks for sharing insights about it. Love watching your videos.
@splendentwomenshealthandwe9422 think about why you’d like to be a school counselor. Towards the end you’ll also complete a practicum/internship at all 3 grade levels to help you understand which level you’d like to work with!