topic 3 dq1 resp

John Battiste

As I read the passage, I was reminded of a book I once read titled “Do you know enough about me to teach me?” by Dr. Stephen G. Peters. The main message of this book is that strong partnerships between teachers and, for this assignment, school counselors, are built on mutual respect. Knowing more about who you are teaching, without allowing personal biases, judgment, or unhealthy or unprofessional boundaries to interfere, creates a more thorough, in-depth opportunity to make a positive impact on the student. It allows treatment plans, strategies, and overall approaches to be more effective. Ethical practice in school counseling, much like the clients it serves, is constantly evolving. All counselors must adapt to these changes and stay flexible in their thinking to comply with the ethical standards set by the ACA and ASCA. School counselors cannot afford to fall into a “one size fits all” mentality when advising their students. Each student is unique, with different backgrounds, life experiences, morals, and values, and each will require counseling tailored to their individual needs. Failing to do so can have long-term and, in the worst cases, catastrophic effects on a student's growth and development. A school counselor must earn students' trust, and if they can build a therapeutic rapport, they can become a catalyst for that student’s long-term success and resilience in a world that can easily prey on them. The counseling system as a whole has flaws, but that’s where being adaptable becomes a key factor in whether or not a counselor is effective in their role.

References:

Peters, S. G. (2016). Do you know enough about me to teach me? Peter Lang.

American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics.  https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

American School Counselor Association. (2022). ASCA ethical standards for school counselors.  https://www.schoolcounselor.org/standards/ethical-standards-for-school-counselors/