Perspectives on Balance in School Counseling

We recommend that school counselors adopt a balanced approach to their work that includes the following elements : (1) attend to the affective and cognitive development of all students, (2) be an advocate for all students, (3) be an integral part of the academic mission and total education program of the schools, (4) collaborate with families, other human services providers, and communities, (5) provide both prevention programming and treatment services, (6) conform with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines and the appropriate professional ethical standards, (7) achieve accountability, and (8) be an advocate for the school counseling profession.

One of our busy, graduate students (who is taking one class per semester toward a master’s degree) commented that “balanced equals overwhelmed.” And, “I’m not good at all that is included in a balanced approached.” She asked, “how in the world can school counselors balance their own professional and personal lives and try to manage a balanced approach to school counseling?”