Guidance Counselors have many and varied responsibilities. Not to mention the add-ons on the list of their functions and duties.  Despite their overwhelming work,they have one common denominator– counselors’ commitment about their profession, the students and schools they serve.

Barbara Muller-Ackerman, Chairperson of American School and Counseling Association (ASCA) public relations committee shared the following answers from an interview with counselors about their common attributes:

1. An effective counselor LISTENS.
2. An effective counselor EMPHATIZES.
3. An effective counselor BUILDS trusting relationship.
4. An effective counselor MAKES a difference.
5. An effective counselor knows FLEXIBILITY.
6. An effective counselor KNOWS HIMSELF.
7. An effective counselor LAUGHS.
8. An effective counselor ADVOCATES.
9. An effective counselor is HUMBLE.
10. An effective counselor SMILES.
11. An effective counselor SEES and UNDERSTANDS the multifaceted potentials of students.

Thus, an effective counselor is not born; he is refined through times and life experiences. Every day is an opportunity to grow and be developed.  What is essential is that hisoverflowing desire to help and be of service to others.

By: HERMIE G. DURAN | Guidance Counselor III | Orani National High School | Orani, Bataan