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school counselor

school counselor questions and answers

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Q: How can you stop getting nervous when you talk to your school counselor?
Since this is my first year in middle school, i've only talked to my counselor once.She is a great counselor but whenever i talk to her i feel so uncomfortable.My legs start shaking and my heart starts beating faster and faster and i cant stop doing that.So can someone please tell me how I can stop getting nervous whenever I talk to my counselor.

A: Because your counselor is a mom also. She goes home to her own kids and yells at them. Dont get fooled. She is a real person. Dont feel nervous around her because at one time in her life she was nervous around her own councelor at school.

Q: How can I get to talk to a school counselor?
I really need to talk to a school counselor but have no clue how. I think that I am depressed. I just looked the symptoms up and match up with almost all of them accept the suicide ones. Who do I talk to? Do I ask my teacher?

A: You can talk to your teacher or go to the office and explain that you need to talk to your counselor. Either way, they should be able to connect you with your counselor. Or if you do church or synagogue, you could talk to your priest or rabbi. Do you have a really close friend you could talk to? Please do not give up on seeking help, there are many people out there that are willing to help. Good Luck. Anything I can do to help , let me know.

Q: What kind of education is needed to become a school counselor?
Hi.. I am trying to find what I want to do... like so many i have lost interest in what i start in college and now think that i would like to be a school counselor.. but i dont know what kind of education it would take... why type of degree and triaing... anything would help really :) thanks

A: You would need a higher degree in psychology. Some school districts/states allow people with master's degrees, but most require a PhD. If this is what you are interested in, sit down and talk to a professor in your school's psychology department. Talk to them about what classes you will want to take for this career path, what minor you should look into, research opportunities in your undergrad program, requirements to graduate with honors in Psychology, plus whatever you can think of. This will give you a better idea if this is what you want to do. Trust me on this one - you will want to get involved in some research project outside of any research classes you will take. This will help you get into grad school. There are usually programs within your college for this purpose. Also, check to see if your school has a program called McNair Scholars (you will have to meet certain qualifications for the program, though). Psychology is a tough field to get into grad school for (more difficult than med school, mostly because of sheer numbers that apply), so be aware that your grades will have to be top notch - like 3.5 GPA or higher. (Both in your major and overall.) Make sure that you are involved in other activities as well - student groups, volunteer activities, etc. Hope this helps.

Q: What can I do about my incompetent school counselor?
I am going to be a senior in high school this fall, so it's pretty important to me that I get the classes I need for credits and also get the optional classes that I'd like to take. Unfortunately my counselor is an idiot. This is her first year doing it, and she knows absolutely NOTHING. I've tried to be patient, but I have given up. She tells me I can't get my technology credit by doing newspaper when I've already verified with the journalism teacher and the assistent principal that I can. She tells me that the class is not offered 4th period, when I already know it is. She tells me that the school does not have AP Psychology even though my teacher gave the whole class a handout about how AP Psychology is being offered here next year. She told me I only have one P.E. credit even though I explained to her I've already gotten all three credits. And she's hardly ever even at school. I don't think they'll let me change counselors, but I need to do something before I shoot her.

A: Well, rely for advice on the junior year counselor, that's for sure! (Surely she's not new too, is she?) Keep going to the teachers and get the right info, and then go to the assistant principal (or the principal as fall-back) and ask the assistant principal what you should do. Then after he tells you, do it, and then go back to the asst. principal and ask him whether he would be willing to sign your schedule because you are so very concerned about not getting the classes you really need to take this last year. Just keep repeating that you are so worried. Adopt a "oh, my gosh, I'm so worried, this is my last year, I have to have these courses." manner, very gushy and concerned and not at all nasty or hinting at how murderous you feel. Not many men can hold out on a request to sign the damn schedule if you keep pestering and plead and gush and sound concerned. How could he discipline you for that? Or warn you not to return? I recommend this approach whenever you have to deal with authority and you want something they don't want to do. You have to get your schedule straight for next year right away so you don't have any problems in the fall, so you have to put on a convincing act as the concerned and friendly and anxious student. Don't point fingers at her incompetence, just say that you are concerned, ovr and over. Be sure to xerox a copy of the schedule too, in case of problems in the fall. Oh, had another brainstorm. Definitely call up the senior high counselor at another high school to find out the info on scholarships and testing and everything else you can think of. Ask the senior counselor what the seniors at that school have to know. Explain that your new counselor isn't as knowledgeable yet, it's her first year, ha, ha, and you are just so concerned about missing a deadline and not knowing what to do. Call a couple of highs chools because counselors don't really want to have to educate you on all the little points and the more info you get, the more you can be sure you didn't miss something important.

Q: I have a bachelors degree in psychology- what do I need to do to become a school counselor?
After going to school for 5 years and thinking about grad school I realized that the one job that I would LOVE to do and have always wanted to do is to be a school counselor or school social worker (from the elementary through high school level). I'm 24, have a bachelors degree in psychology and live in Michigan. What kind of graduate degree and/or licensing should I pursue to obtain my goal? Thanks for any help that you can provide.

A: more than likely you will proably have to get a masters in educational psychology to become a counselor at a grade school or high school......I am working on a masters in clinical psychology at the moment just to work in a rehab center...you may want to talk to a guidance counselor or your learning specialist at your college to get any info...Good Luck!

Q: What kind of a major would I have to be if I want to be High School Counselor?
I would like to be a High School counselor, recently have some interest in it. (( Currently I am a college student, and expecting to graduate with my A.A degree in English Spring 2010 ))

A: You should major in psychology. You'll be able to take classes in adolescent development, too. If you enjoy that, and learning about different psychological disorders, then you would probably enjoy being a school counselor. You will most likely have to go for additional training after graduating. I have a degree in psychology (which I thought was a lot of fun). I'm not currently working in the field because I am staying home with my son. Psychology comes in handy every day. I think it makes me a better mother.

Q: I'm interested in becoming a high school counselor. What schooling is required and what's the salary?
I want to work with teens but I don't want to be a teacher. I've always been interested in counseling and pyschology. What duties does a school counselor have to perform?

A: Requirements vary by state. Some states require B.A. in psychology or counseling, some require a Master's. Unfortunately, in my state of PA, many school counselors are burdened with administrative duties (organizing achievement tests, handling transcripts, etc.) to the point where they rarely get one on one time with students. It has led many to pursue mental health counseling. Most students with mental/behavioral issues are now being seen by providers outside of school (at least in PA.)

Q: How bad is your high school counselor?
I am in my senior year of high school and all of my classmates agree, it's like she could care less that we even existed. We all think she sits at her computer and plays on MSN all day, and yes, we've actually seen her do that. When we're having problems she sends us to a different counselor, even though she's is suppose to interact with us, not the Freshmen counselor... Today I got my schedual and it was COMPLETELY messed up. Not only am I NOT in the classes I've signed up for *and PAID FOR* I'm not even in classes meant for my grade. I showed her my schedual and she said it wasn't her problem to fix, that I should have made it more clear on my sign up sheets... Other than directly go to the principal, I don't know what to do. If I don't take three of my seven classes, then I just threw 700 dollars down the toilet.

A: Mine's the exact same... but then again, we go to school together, don't we? Remeber last year when I bitch slapped that one girl? Two days later (after I'd already seen Mrs. THING) she asked me why I hadn't been in class... Then she said something about me being sick (no, I was in ISS... because YOU PUT ME THERE) She's just fan-fucking-tastic.

Q: Would a Bachelors in Sociology qualify me to become a high school counselor?
I want to become a high school counselor and I want to switch my major from psychology to sociology cause sociology really appeals to me much more and i really enjoy the subject.

A: Not positive. But when I was in College and taking Sociology, my professor told me that most Sociology fields require a Master's degree.

Q: what a small gift i should get for my school counselor for christmas?
i want to get a small gift to my high school counselor on Christmas.... is that seem normal? what should a small gift i should get for my counselor?

A: Hey; I have found this electric wine bottle opener product review for you at a fashion and style blog.. It's not expensive and will be an interesting gift.. here is the link; I hope you are gonna like it.. http://www.nejstyle.com/electric-wine-bottle-opener/

Q: Tips on getting what I need from my high school counselor?
I went to counselor in June because something had gone wrong with my schedule, and she promised I'd be the first one to see her on the first day of school. I don't expect to be the first one, and don't mind, but experience with my counselor tells me that it'll be October before I finally have a chance to meet with her. She tends to get off track easily, and has a short attention span, so sessions are longer than they need to be. Lines in front of her office are long- Does anyone have tips on how to approach her with a request for help? I'd like to be friendly and chatty with her, but this is an urgent matter; I'm not sure how I'd feel if she never attempted to help resolve it. How can I get right down to it without being rude?

A: There's no need to be friendly about it. You are seeking her help. More than that: she already promised that she would help you. As soon as you see her, remind her of her promise, emphasize that the matter is urgent and that you must see her this week. Ask her for a definite appointment. If she seems the slightest bit reluctant, tell her you have no one else to turn to. This should get results.

Q: What are the responsibilities of a school counselor to report suicide?
Doing a college report on the responsiblilities of secondary (high school) school counselors to report suicide suspicion, threats, attempts, and the legal issues involved in failing to do so (Liability lawsuits). Where Do I Start Looking For Research Info?

A: Try these: http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/fretzin/469PaperOne.htm http://eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=EJ416232&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=eric_accno&accno=EJ416232 http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/customized/school_mentalhealth.asp

Q: Would it be inappropriate to talk to school counselor about personal problems?
Such as: Getting over the pain of an ex-bf, and that my friend is in the hospital? Would it be inappropriate to talk about? My school counselor is an angel, she's very sweet. But I feel like if I make an appointment, then I'd be wasting her time...

A: As a school counselor, you would not be wasting my time at all. I am a High School counselor and I look forward to helping students. I love the fact that they feel confident enough to confide in me any problems they may be going through. That's what I'm here for. Just to let you know..I hear these kinds of issues all the time and it's very normal and many students seek help by talking to me. So.. go... talk to your counselor:)

Q: if i want to become a school counselor which major should i apply?
if i want to become a school counselor which major should i apply? Cause i don't see any counseling major in the list of all the college? Do i need to become a teacher in order to become a counerlor? cause i don't want to become a teacher, i just want to be a school counselor. Become school counselor wat else counselor do they have ? I only know two kind of counselor so far which is school counseling and mental health counseling.

A: Nearly 80% or more of all counselors in HS had a degree in teaching and have taught for nearly 5 to 10 years or even more. I dont know of any HS or Middle School counselors who only have a Psychology degree. State law requires a Teaching Degree to handle children. You might consider expanding your investgating to include your interest in State and Local Governents who hire individuals as Counselors and Administrators to work for the Welfare Dept, the Parole Board, the Hospitals. Most hospitals have a staffing of several counselors on board. Unlike a school which only has one counselor to handle disaster programs. For the state and local govts and Hopitals a min of a MS or Phd is required in Psychology. Who know, You might be the next Dr. Phil, the noted Psychologist on TV.