Blog #8

            This semester and in particular this class, has really pulled together all the other classes we have taken. I have stated this in other blogs but after reading Kahn's article and the chapter about consultation and collaboration, seeing all the info being pulled together and allowing more insight into the comprehensive school counseling model. The journey I have taken through the Theory classes as well as brief have given a lot self awareness and things that I needed to work on in order to be the best school counselor I can be. The solution focused approach is very appropriate in a school setting and allows the students to take control of their own thoughts, behaviors and actions. They get a chance to tell their story and one thing that really stands out in the solution focused approach is that the client is the expert of the story they tell and their experience. One Sentence in the article really stands out for me and that is when Kahn(2000) states that even the smallest and simplest change in the demeanor of the teacher or counselor can have a tremendous effect on the student or client. The way education is changing and pressure is increasing to do well and know more even starting from kindergarten, makes it hard for teachers to really take the time and get to know the students they are teaching. Counselors have a unique chance to really get to know the students and talk to them from a different standpoint.
            I really like the solution focused approach, but sometimes, it is not always what works well for the student or client. Having knowledge on the different theories and counseling techniques is helpful in knowing what approach will work best with certain students as well as those individuals you will be collaborating and consulting with. I had the opportunity to do a mock counseling session with students in my class. It was eye opening for me, especially because I did not think things in my own bubble would effect how I would handle a situation, but it does. I was uncomfortable and irritated with the way the session was going and I felt like I had no control, but sometimes that is okay and recognizing that and being okay with that is important in moving forward. As a school counselor, we are going to be faced with difficult student, teachers, parents, and administrators. " It takes a village to raise a child",( Dollarhide & Saginak, 2012, pg. 163), something that could not ring more true in the school setting. It takes more than one person, in implementing and making sure a Comprehensive School Counseling Program per the ASCA National Model is effective and beneficial to the school district and all stake holders involved. Collaboration is key to ensuring that a comprehensive model is as effective as it can be and everyone involved must be on the same page.

Dollarhide, C. T., & Saginak, K. A. (2012). Comprehensive school counseling programs. (2nd ed.). New York: Pearson, Inc.

Kahn, B. B. (2000). A model of solution-focused consultation for school counselors. Professional School Counseling, 3(4), 248-254