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.