Interview on School Counseling

Introduction

• Purpose of the interview: Explore different types of counseling, how people got into it, and their experiences.
• Interviewee: Former special education teacher who transitioned to a school counselor.

Motivation & Role as a School Counselor

• Transitioned from special education to counseling to balance family life and work.
• Enjoys building relationships with students, being a safe person for them.

Challenges in Counseling

• The heavy emotional burden of counseling, especially with children's mental health issues.
• Balancing personal emotions with professional responsibilities.

Process for Behavioral Concerns

• Initial intervention through positive behavior plans.
• School psychologist handles formal evaluations for special education services.
• Role involves intervention and brainstorming solutions, not formal assessment.

Parental Involvement

• Some resistance from parents in accepting their child’s issues.
• Importance of presenting objective data to parents to address concerns.
• Emphasizes teamwork approach with parents.

Behavioral Intervention Strategies

• Past use of PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies) to organize school procedures.
• Continued informal check-ins and behavior plans for students.

Avoiding Burnout

• Personal strategies include spending quality time with family and engaging in hobbies.
• Importance of separating work from personal life for mental recharge.

Education & Certification

• Bachelor's in Special Education, Master's in School Counseling.
• Discusses the limitations of her degree for practicing outside school settings.
• Importance of teaching experience prior to counseling for effective classroom management.

Mental Health System in Oklahoma

• Perceived as underfunded and lacking resources.
• Cultural stigma around mental health still present.
• Efforts to change perceptions of counseling within schools.

Opportunities in School Counseling

• Varied roles within schools including school counselor, advocates, and therapists.
• Discussion on the limitations of a school counseling degree.

Typical Day of a School Counselor

• Duties vary daily; includes lessons, individual student meetings, and supportive roles.
• Prefers not to engage in disciplinary actions, focuses on supportive interventions.

Training and Supervision

• Provides support and training for teachers but not in a formal supervisory role.
• Administrator (Principal) evaluates teachers.

Reflections and Future Steps

• Discussion on the interviewee's journey and interest in further qualifications.
• Advice for those interested in school counseling to gain teaching experience.
• Personal reflections on the emotional aspects of the role and work environment.