Mira Zike, Reporter and Designer
We see our school counselors in the halls every day. They come to our classrooms discussing scheduling, college planning, and preparing for the SAT. Yet, recent data questions whether or not we really take advantage of the many other resources they offer.
In a recent survey, 77 percent of 85 student respondents said they had visited their school counselor at some point during their time. Of these students, 88 percent talked to their school counselor about scheduling. In comparison, less students reported to the counselors concerning personal issues. For example, only 23 percent sought support for school-related stress, and 19 percent for mental health concerns.
“I always look at [scheduling] as a way to get to know students in a way that’s really not threatening,” said school counselor Tara Vanselow in regards to talking with students about schedule changes. “We talk about schedules, and then you can build a relationship so that hopefully people trust you and want to talk about other things.”
However, approximately half of the students surveyed said they don’t feel comfortable talking about these more personal topics. Multiple respondents expressed concern about confidentiality in the counselor’s office. Many students were worried that what they discussed with their counselor could be repeated to parents or administration.
“They have an obligation to tell your parents everything anyway,” said one anonymous survey respondent.
Vanselow was happy to clear up this common misconception.
“The times when we’re obligated to tell somebody is if we think a student is actively going to hurt themselves or someone else,” said Vanselow.
However, even then, counselors take caution to protect students’ privacy. The counselors do their best to ensure they have a full understanding of the situation before looking into available resources for students. Otherwise, anything a student needs to address with their counselor will remain confidential.
Many students felt that they couldn’t get their counselor’s support about things that could get themselves or others in trouble, but this is where the roles of school counselors and the administration differ.
Things such as drinking and drug use that would normally result in consequences at home, school, or with the law, can be discussed freely in the counselor’s office. Counselors take this confidentiality rule very seriously, and know that students need trusted adults to talk to about important decisions they are making.
“Some students will mention going to a party or using something at the party, and that is kept in confidence,” school counselor Paul Peretti said. “We are not required to report that.”
The counselors often find that once a student gets to know them, they feel more comfortable opening up about highly personal topics. Many survey respondents, unsure initially about talking about personal issues, described positive experiences they’ve had.
“My counselor is very welcoming and makes you feel comfortable,” said one anonymous survey respondent. “So even though I’ve only ever gone in for minor things, it is nice to know she’s there, because a lot of worry and stress can be relieved just by telling someone you trust.”