SEL refers to building skills and mindsets necessary for students to thrive in all areas of their life. These competencies include:
- Understanding and managing emotions
- Setting and achieving positive goals
- Felling and showing empathy for others
- Establishing and maintaining positive relationships
- Making responsible decisions
SCHOOL COUNSELORS MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
The work of today’s school counselor is multifaceted and can vary from career development to supporting students who are experiencing emotional and academic challenges. As trained mental health professionals, school counselors strive to build safe, positive, and trusting relationships with their students.
How School Counselors Help
- They are good listeners, and students can talk to them about almost anything, without judgment.
- They strive to maintain confidentiality as much as possible while following their code of ethics, as well as all pertinent federal, state, and school district regulations.
- They help students with anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction.
- They work with students to develop strategies to deal with anger.
- They are a good sounding board for family issues.
- They help students navigate relationship issues.
- They advocate on students’ behalf.