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Top Ten Communication Skills of the Guidance Counsellor. Kendra Vice Submitted to: Peggy Perkins Guidance Part 1 (UOIT) July 18, 2013. Communication. Effective communication is key to being successful in the role of guidance counsellor
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Top Ten Communication Skills of the Guidance Counsellor Kendra Vice Submitted to: Peggy Perkins Guidance Part 1 (UOIT) July 18, 2013
Communication • Effective communication is key to being successful in the role of guidance counsellor • The role of the guidance counsellor is integral to many student success pursuits
10: Flexibility • Often as a guidance counsellor you must be open an flexible to student, parent, administration, or community support; it is important to be flexible and adapt to changing situations in a professional manner • As well, it is important to communicate to the student you are flexible and you accept new ideas
9: Honesty • Honesty comes in many forms and for a guidance counsellor the most important is being truthful to yourself and to your student • This includes, but is not limited to, being aware of your limitations as a guidance counsellor and informing your student of those limitations
8: Care and Trust • A logical transition from honesty, it is important to take the role as one in a position of care and trust • Care includes communicating to the student that you are an adult who respects them, you are reliable, and you will not give up on them • Trust is ensuring you respect confidentiality and approach counselling in an open and non-judgemental way
7: Confidentiality • It is important to respect students’ confidentiality and maintain a professional and ethical relationship at all times • Confidentiality is part of honesty and trust • As well, it is important to understand the limits to confidentiality and always put the students’ best interests first
6: Respect • Respect is an important part of communication, because it is shared between both parties • You must have respect for the student, their needs, strengths, opinions and voice • As well you must earn the respect of your students by being professional, open, honest, caring and all of the many traits we have discussed!
5: Professional and Ethical • It is important to be approachable and friendly while maintaining professional boundaries and working within the ethical guidelines for guidance counsellors when communicating with students • As well, as part of professional practice, it is important to develop professionally and better ourselves for our students
4: Be an Advocate • The first duty for guidance counsellors is the care and wellbeing of their students • Whether advocating for a student who is a suspected victim or advocating for the student’s choices in course selection- it is important to put the needs of the student first
3: Empathy and Understanding • It is a very important part of communication to connect through empathy and understanding • Understanding a student’s motivations, fears, strengths, goals and limitations will help you to better serve the student
2: Active Listening • Along with understanding, it is crucial to listen to the needs of your students • Active listening involves all forms of communication, non-verbal behaviour, respect, focus, and understanding • Showing that you care and are interested
1: Openness • I think openness summarizes all of the important communication skills • To be open is to be non-judgemental, accepting, approachable, flexible, honest, caring • Have a door open policy, where students can feel safe, respected and accepted • Have an open mind where students can share their thoughts, ideas and opinions • Allow students to be members of their own success team
Reflection • I believe that communication is so much further than verbal dialogue, communication is an open state of mind. I believe it is important for students to feel that they are being heard, that you- as their guidance counsellor- are listening, understanding and caring about what they have to say. • Students must understand and believe that their wellbeing and best interests are being considered at all times. • Guidance counsellors must act in the most appropriate, professional and ethical manner to care for the student to the best of their ability.