1. Top Ten Communication Skills of the Guidance Counsellor
Kendra Vice
Submitted to: Peggy Perkins
Guidance Part 1 (UOIT)
July 18, 2013

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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.