Week 10

            In order to be an effective school counselor, balance and self-care will be essential.  As I have also found in other professions, I am sure that this balance will be achieved best through intentionality and attentiveness.  It will be important to understand that my professional life is only one part of my life.  In order to achieve healthy balance I will need to honor the other parts of my life as well.  Additionally, I hope to have a realistic appraisal of my own limitations in terms of what can be accomplished with individuals and with the school as a whole.  How important it will be to balance passion and enthusiasm, with realism and humility!  I especially appreciated when the book talked about how one of the hardest things for new counselors is knowing when to let go.  It would seem to me that this knowledge and perspective would be extremely helpful on many levels.  This will enable a healthy set of boundaries and it will also embody the belief that students will change when they are ready to change.  This way of thinking honors the power and self-determination of each student as well as engendering an appropriate assessment of the counselor’s role and power.  

            I was struck by the way the counselor’s inner reflection was lifted up as one way to deal with stress, boundaries, and balance.  Although the counselor may feel overwhelmed at times by a very busy schedule, the benefits of time to be stop, be still, and reflect will be very important to keep perspective and manage stress.  However, this time for reflection will generally not be granted to the counselor unless the counselor intentionally makes time for this in his/her day.  This time of quiet and centering at home, in the car, or wherever the counselor can carve out some space and time, can be invaluable for professional and personal life.  The model of action and reflecting is a habit that is well worth developing in this profession.

            Strategies designed to manage stress and balance in life will be invaluable for counselors who intend to work in the field for many years.  Without such self-care, counselors may be prone to leave the profession early or may stay in the profession but show little enthusiasm or commitment to excellence in their service to the schools or students.  

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