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Alyssa Stenersen
Student
Houghton, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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How do the dynamics of working as a counselor in a public-school setting affect relationships with students and families?
I am a current college student that is majoring in psychology working toward becoming a counselor. I am interested in knowing more about working with the Youth in America. How can I better reach the youth that are struggling? What career path would best give them access to a trained counselor? #Fall25
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1 answer
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1210
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Alyssa,
This is a really insightful question, and I can tell you're headed in the right direction because you're already considering the practical aspects of school counseling. While working as a counselor in a public school is fulfilling, it has its own environment. You’re supporting children, families, and the school system all at once, and each relationship looks a bit different.
When you work with students, you take on the role of the dependable adult who sees them beyond their conduct or grades. They often challenge you at first, but if you show up with curiosity, nonjudgment, and confidentiality, they open up in ways that even their relatives don’t often see. Families can have a wide range of dynamics; some may feel overburdened, some may mistrust the educational system, and still others may wish to be close partners. Your work becomes less about “fixing things” and more about building bridges, helping everyone communicate, and making sure kids have a support circle instead of just a single assistant. And then there’s the school setting itself. Public schools are fast-paced, disciplined, and often stretched thin, yet you get an extensive reach. For scores of students who might never visit a therapist's office outside of school, you serve as their mental safety net.
Reaching troubled youth effectively is primarily about connection. Young people respond to genuineness, cultural awareness, humor, and someone who actually listens. Technique is never more important than trust. They will feel more comfortable opening up if you emphasize their strengths rather than just their difficulties, normalize mental health discussions, use inclusive language, and remain curious. Teenagers can detect when an adult is sincerely invested in them, and that’s half the effort.
Depending on the level of support you wish to provide, you have a few good options for selecting the best course. If you want to assist students in overcoming emotional, social, and academic challenges within the educational system, school counseling is the best option. You get the chance to conduct more in-depth therapeutic work outside of the classroom with clinical mental-health counseling (LPC/LMHC). When dealing with young people, social work (LCSW) combines mental health care with family systems and community resources, which is very beneficial. The best of both worlds can be found in school-based clinician positions, where you work inside a school yet are employed by a mental health organization.
You're already on the correct track if your passion is making young people feel supported and seen.
Best wishes!
This is a really insightful question, and I can tell you're headed in the right direction because you're already considering the practical aspects of school counseling. While working as a counselor in a public school is fulfilling, it has its own environment. You’re supporting children, families, and the school system all at once, and each relationship looks a bit different.
When you work with students, you take on the role of the dependable adult who sees them beyond their conduct or grades. They often challenge you at first, but if you show up with curiosity, nonjudgment, and confidentiality, they open up in ways that even their relatives don’t often see. Families can have a wide range of dynamics; some may feel overburdened, some may mistrust the educational system, and still others may wish to be close partners. Your work becomes less about “fixing things” and more about building bridges, helping everyone communicate, and making sure kids have a support circle instead of just a single assistant. And then there’s the school setting itself. Public schools are fast-paced, disciplined, and often stretched thin, yet you get an extensive reach. For scores of students who might never visit a therapist's office outside of school, you serve as their mental safety net.
Reaching troubled youth effectively is primarily about connection. Young people respond to genuineness, cultural awareness, humor, and someone who actually listens. Technique is never more important than trust. They will feel more comfortable opening up if you emphasize their strengths rather than just their difficulties, normalize mental health discussions, use inclusive language, and remain curious. Teenagers can detect when an adult is sincerely invested in them, and that’s half the effort.
Depending on the level of support you wish to provide, you have a few good options for selecting the best course. If you want to assist students in overcoming emotional, social, and academic challenges within the educational system, school counseling is the best option. You get the chance to conduct more in-depth therapeutic work outside of the classroom with clinical mental-health counseling (LPC/LMHC). When dealing with young people, social work (LCSW) combines mental health care with family systems and community resources, which is very beneficial. The best of both worlds can be found in school-based clinician positions, where you work inside a school yet are employed by a mental health organization.
You're already on the correct track if your passion is making young people feel supported and seen.
Best wishes!
Thank you for your time and consideration in answering my question. It really gives a lot of insight into all the angles that take place as a counselor in a school setting.
Alyssa Stenersen
You're welcome, Alyssa!
Chinyere Okafor