We love talking to our school counseling colleagues all over the world and had the pleasure of speaking with G’Nel, a School for School Counselors Facebook member, about her fears and excitement in beginning her school counseling journey.

We asked G’Nel what she looked forward to most about moving into her dream role as a school counselor.

Her response?

“Relationships with staff members and kids. I miss building rapport with the kids and kids seeking me out to ask for my suggestions. Also, being able to advocate for them. That relationship is everything. I want them to know that I’m there. I want them to know that I’m available.”

With this in mind, we decided to ask our S4SC members what their advice was for G’Nel and for any other first year counselors. Their responses did NOT disappoint!

School Counseling Advice from Our Members
“Be yourself. Be genuine. Children can sense when you are tense.”
-Kammy W

“Take your lunch break.”
-Rachel B

“Be visible. For the first few months, soak it all in. Learn about the kids and about the school.”
-Brooke H

“Take time for yourself. Tomorrow is a new day.”
-Rachel B

“Kids can’t cry and chew gum at the same time.”
-Steph J

“It’s important to be open minded and consider all perspectives and see what works for you… every school is different.”
-Evan S

“Keep a daily log of who you see, phone calls you had and any follow up notes you need. Documentation and communication are crucial ingredients.”
-Kristy R

“BUILD RELATIONSHIPS with parents, students, faculty and staff, and admin your first year. Watch, listen, and learn your school’s culture. Then make a plan to bolster or completely change it. Implementing a comprehensive school counseling plan that will change how the school approaches achievement will be easier to tackle when the stakeholders are all in it together.”
-Tania E

“Remember, you are one person doing the best you can.”
-Sandra C

“Be VERY flexible.”
-Colleen M

“Patience. I think we often jump into a new program eager and ready to tackle ALL THE THINGS, but a typical school staff is usually not impressed by a lot of changes right out of the gate. Slow and steady wins the race (and hearts). “
-Steph J

“Find someone you trust to consult with… another counselor at your school, in the district, online etc. Make sure you have someone to talk things through and bounce off issues.”
-Jennifer M

Do YOU have any great advice for a first year counselor? Let us know! Comment below to let us know what you wished YOU knew as a first year counselor!