From Woes to Wisdom: My Worst High School Guidance Counselor Experience and the Journey to Advocacy

As a high school student in 1976, I faced some of the most challenging and unsettling experiences due to the inadequate guidance and counseling provided. The guidance counselors in my high school were more like administrative tools rather than empathetic and supportive figures. They lacked the basic counseling skills and often violated the fundamental principles of confidentiality and empathy, often harming students without the necessary due process.

The Letdowns of High School Guidance

Looking back, my worst guidance counselor experiences were marked by a fundamental lack of professionalism and empathy. These counselors were far from the supportive mentors they should have been. Instead, the atmosphere was fraught with mistrust and anxiety. The counselors seemed to have a fundamental misunderstanding of their role, reducing their interactions with students to mere data collection tools for the administration. This was particularly disheartening, as it limited their ability to serve as genuine advocates and allies for the students they were supposed to guide.

Powerless to Voice Concerns

Some counselors went so far as to wield their roles to unfairly get information from students, often leading to serious misjudgments and unnecessary trouble for students. The violation of privacy during counseling sessions was rampant, and this lack of confidentiality led to widespread discomfort and lack of trust among students. These experiences reinforced the notion that school guidance counselors were more interested in administrative reporting than actually supporting students.

Empathy and Confidentiality: The Core Principles of Counseling

To truly serve their students, guidance counselors must prioritize empathy and confidentiality. Empathy ensures that students feel understood and their unique challenges are recognized. Confidentiality, on the other hand, provides a safe space for students to share their genuine thoughts and feelings without fear of repercussions. The absence of these principles in the counseling environment I experienced did immense harm to my development and trust.

The Birth of an Advocate

My experiences with guidance counselors deeply influenced my decision to pursue a career in school counseling. I wanted to be an advocate who stands in stark contrast to the counselors I encountered. My goal is to foster an environment where students feel valued, heard, and supported. By prioritizing empathy and confidentiality, I strive to create a supportive and encouraging atmosphere that allows students to grow and thrive.

Advancing the Field of Guidance and Counseling

Although many school counselors are now more ethical and empathetic, there is still room for improvement. The field of guidance and counseling has an ongoing responsibility to address these historical problems and ensure that they do not resurface. Regular training and practice in confidentiality and empathy are crucial for promoting a culture of trust and support in educational institutions.

As someone who has witnessed the pitfalls of poor counseling, I am committed to pushing for better standards and practices. My journey began with a desire to address the inadequacies I faced, and it continues today as I work to provide support and advocacy for students. Through my work, I hope to contribute to a more compassionate and effective guidance and counseling system that truly serves and supports students.