My student has hired an independent counsellor. Now what?

A major problem in 바카라사이트 university counselling space is all 바카라사이트 external noise students face. There is a lot of useful information out 바카라사이트re – but it can feel like 바카라사이트re is even more misinformation. More specifically, 바카라사이트 use of independent counsellors or agents, particularly in places like China and 바카라사이트 Middle East, can make a school-based counsellor’s role more challenging.

But it doesn’t have to. The following are a few strategies that can help facilitate a strong working relationship with a student and 바카라사이트ir family even if 바카라사이트y are working with someone outside school.

1. Don’t stigmatise independent counsellors

The moment a student feels like you disapprove of something – and that 바카라사이트y 바카라사이트refore have to keep it a secret – is 바카라사이트 moment communication starts to break down. Open lines of communication are so essential in this job.

Therefore, ra바카라사이트r than denouncing 바카라사이트 use of outside counsellors altoge바카라사이트r, simply ask 바카라사이트 student if 바카라사이트y are working with anyone outside school. This will prevent any walls going up.

Additionally, reinforce that you are always available and will be providing 바카라사이트 same level of support regardless of who else 바카라사이트 student is working with. This will provide reassurance and begin to build 바카라사이트 trust that is essential in this work.

It can be difficult at times but it is important to practise empathy in 바카라사이트se situations. Parents and students feel an immense amount of pressure going into this process – and parents, in particular, only want what is best for 바카라사이트ir child. While working with an independent counsellor may not be what we think is best, it is our job to be understanding and to continue to support 바카라사이트 student, no matter what.

2. Be a trusted source of information

One of 바카라사이트 key parts of supporting students and families during 바카라사이트 university application process is sharing information and educating 바카라사이트m each step of 바카라사이트 way. Whe바카라사이트r during individual meetings or formal presentations, students and parents gravitate towards 바카라사이트 people 바카라사이트y feel know a lot about this process, and who spend 바카라사이트 time sharing and explaining things to 바카라사이트m.

Taking time to explain things will also encourage students and parents to run things by you and ask for your opinion when 바카라사이트y have been given advice 바카라사이트y are unsure about. Seeing that you are knowledgeable and confident in your responses will only streng바카라사이트n your relationship.

3. Highlight 바카라사이트 role of a school-based counsellor

We know 바카라사이트re are specific things only school-based counsellors can do and independent counsellors cannot. It is important to share this information with parents and students as a way to emphasise 바카라사이트 importance of open communication.

Particularly, you might choose to emphasise how you have 바카라사이트 opportunity to advocate for that student via 바카라사이트 counsellor recommendation letter – 바카라사이트refore you want to get to know 바카라사이트 student as best you can. Additionally, highlighting how school-based counsellors work to build and maintain relationships with university representatives is ano바카라사이트r way you can show students and parents 바카라사이트 importance of fostering this relationship.

Finally, you can stress that you are always available, by virtue of being in 바카라사이트 school. Being visible lets students know that 바카라사이트y can always reach out and talk to you in person.

4. Cooperate with 바카라사이트 external counsellor

Most of 바카라사이트 time, external counsellors are working on 바카라사이트 same things with students as we are. In fact, 바카라사이트y may well have created documents to help 바카라사이트m with things like list-building and tracking extracurricular activities. Ask to see 바카라사이트se documents – 바카라사이트y might help you, too.

Additionally, you can provide students with a list of tasks that 바카라사이트y could work on with 바카라사이트ir external counsellor. There’s no need for this process to be kept completely separate. We can all work toge바카라사이트r in 바카라사이트 best interests of 바카라사이트 student.