Results of a grounded theory study exploring the experiences and processes of school counseling students' professional and personal growth are provided. The researchers used focus groups over a two-year period to better comprehend students their experiences of growth. Several themes emerged: defining personal growth, wellness, and clinical…

There are limited school counseling resources that address the unique post high school transition issues faced by students with High-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HASD). While many school counselors have excellent skills in assessment, advising, and career planning, it is worthwhile to expand these to include working with students with…

This article outlines a pilot study conducted with persisting and non-persisting students in a mid-sized public university in the West. Based on those findings, a retention initiative was developed. The study and initiative both utilize the ASCA [American School Counselor Association] framework, making a case that this model has application in…

Confidentiality in counseling relationships helps ensure trust between clients and counselors. Yet, defining and understanding the boundaries of confidentiality in school settings is often difficult, as school counselors are engaged in multiple relationships with various stakeholders. This qualitative phenomenological study explores the…

The current study examined early career professional school counselors' experiences related to their work as mental health professionals in schools. Nine individuals participated in qualitative interviews that were analyzed using consensual qualitative research methods (Hill, 2012). All individuals were professional school counselors trained…

This qualitative study utilized interviews with 20 Latina/o high school seniors and five secondary school counselors in South Texas to further understand how counselors help Latina/o students navigate their college choice process. Findings indicate counselors provided students with access to college information and facilitated university…

School counselors should focus on helping underrepresented students access higher education in efforts to close achievement gaps. Limited information is available regarding how first-generation and ethnic minority students view school counseling efforts to promoting post-secondary opportunities. Participants in this study indicated school…

Counselor educators must examine the quality and intentionality of coursework and field experiences offered to their students as the role of school counselors continues to transform. The emphasis in the field on school counselors as social justice agents and advocates should be reflected in school counselor training programs. The authors present a…

Researchers surveyed CACREP school counseling program graduates from a southeastern university to explore successes and barriers in implementing a comprehensive, developmental school counseling program. Findings included significant differences across school levels in programmatic change (p less than 0.001) and responsive services (p = 0.041).…

The solution-focused counseling theory provides a useful framework that can be applied to supervision of counselors-in-training. Solution-focused supervision is especially useful for school counseling site supervisors who may not have much time for supervision, who may not have had much training in clinical supervision, or who may have had…

Multiculturalism continues to be a powerful force within the counseling profession. While there appears to be an increase in the awareness of topics related to diversity, there are topics that continue to be underrepresented, particularly with regard to the training of future school counselors. One such topic is that of issues related to gay,…

An important hiring criterion maintained by some school districts is that school counselors possess a teaching certificate and prior teaching experience. The present study examined the actual job performance of novice school counselor (interns) in relation to whether they had teacher certification and at least two years of teaching experience, or…

This article begins with an exploration of the issues facing beginning school counselors and the educational requirements for school counselor education programs. Following this exploration, the discussion moves into a description of how service-learning can be used to foster understanding and transfer abstract professional concepts into practice.…

The need for a discussion of school counselor preparation and supervision is supported by the guidelines established by both the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), 2009 and the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), 2005. The significance of this article is to provide a reflective…

This article provides suggestions and strategies for school counselors assisting students with disabilities transitioning into post-secondary settings. Topics include: legislation regarding transition services; resources and suggestions for successful transitions to post-secondary environments (academic and vocational); and advocacy and ableism. A…