Trends in Guidance and Counseling
by Jeff Hattaway
1. Definition: Trend refers to a direction in which topics in a particular field are heading (English Oxford Dictionary, 2018).
2. Example: A school counselor at a local high school is expected to meet individually with every student in the assigned alphabet in preparation for the upcoming school year. During the meeting, the counselor and student review the student's transcript to ensure he/she is on track to graduate, schedule classes for the upcoming school year, and discuss college or career plans beyond high school (ASCA Competencies, 2012). While working through all of these meetings, the counselor is also expected to meet with students who are in need of support on personal matters (ASCA Competencies, 2012). On any given day, a counselor receives requests from students to discuss issues at home, reports of bullying, feelings associated with bouts of depression or suicidal thoughts.
3. Application: Counselors seem to be involved in more roles than ever before on school campuses. Traditionally, counselors are known for assisting with college applications, reviewing of transcripts, and schedule changes. More recently, counselors now take on the role of working with staff members, students and their parents in the area of academic and career achievement, and personal and social development (Rosales, 2015).