Role of the Counsellor

Two friends have a physical altercation, should they be brought to the School Counsellor?

• School Counsellor is not involved in restorative conversation when its a physical altercation.

• School Counsellor can support after students have been addressed by the teacher/Year Lead/SLT

• School Counsellor is the first point of contact when students have a physical altercation.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that the School Counsellor can support after students have been addressed by the teacher/Year Lead/SLT, as initial intervention should come from those in charge before involving the Counsellor.

When you give your students tour of the school, do you show them the school counsellor office?

• Yes, it's important for my students to know where Mr. Simmons' office is.

• No, but now that I'm thinking about it, I will add it to my classroom to-do list.

• I actually don't know where the School Counsellor office is.

Answer explanation

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of students knowing the school counsellor's location, which is vital for their support. The second choice shows a willingness to improve by adding it to the to-do list.

If a student states that they have been self-harming, you should report this to the school counsellor first?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The correct answer is False because self-harm disclosures should be reported to the CPO, Jacinth Gurdon and if not available Sean Simkins or Kathryn Watts, not the school counsellor.

A student reports that they are having an issue sleeping due to their sibling keeping them awake.

• The teacher should first talk with the parent.

• Raise it to Year Lead.

• Monitor to see if this affects student's performance before addressing it.

• Yes, bring it to the school counsellor right away.

Answer explanation

The teacher should first talk with the parent to understand the situation better. Monitoring the student's performance is also important to see if the sleep issue impacts their academic work before taking further action.

Students are allowed to visit my office at breaktimes, unannounced or without previous noticed? (Choose all that apply)

• Yes.

• No.

• Only for certain instances.

Answer explanation

Students can visit my office at breaktimes, either unannounced or with prior notice. Therefore, both 'Yes' and 'Only for certain instances' are correct, as there may be specific situations where prior notice is required.

Can students reach out to the school counsellor through their school email?

• Yes, they can.

• No, students should not email the counsellor when they have a concern. This is against the safe-guarding policy.

• They should use the Chat function on teams instead of email.

What does student confidentiality mean in the counselling process?

• Teachers and parents are told everything a student shares.

• Teachers can always request details of sessions.

• Counsellors keep all information secret, even if safety is at risk.

• Students’ information is private unless there is risk of harm.

Answer explanation

Student confidentiality means that a student's information is kept private, except when there is a risk of harm. This ensures trust in the counselling process, unlike the other options that suggest sharing information without such conditions.

In counselling, most student conversations remain confidential. However, there are three main exceptions. Which set best describes when confidentiality must be broken?

• When a student reports bullying, feels sad about friendships, or struggles with motivation.

• When a student repeatedly refuses classwork, shows disrespect to peers, or has frequent sibling arguments.

• When a student talks about hurting themselves, someone hurting them, or planning to hurt someone else.

• When a student admits to cheating, lying to parents, or skipping homework.

Answer explanation

Confidentiality must be broken when a student discusses self-harm, being harmed, or plans to harm others. These situations pose immediate risks to safety, necessitating intervention.

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a school counsellor?

• Sharing confidential information with all members of staff who work with the student.

• Helping students develop coping strategies.

• Supporting students in resolving conflicts.

• Providing a safe space for students to talk about their feelings.

Answer explanation

A school counsellor must maintain confidentiality. Sharing confidential information with all staff is not a responsibility, as it breaches trust and privacy, unlike helping students cope, resolving conflicts, and providing a safe space.

When can a school counsellor share information discussed in a session with others?

• Only when the student gives written permission.

• When there is a concern about the safety of the student or others.

• Whenever a teacher asks for details.

• At the end of every school term.

Answer explanation

A school counsellor can share information when there is a concern about the safety of the student or others. This is crucial for ensuring safety, unlike sharing details with teachers or at term's end, which is not permitted.