Nicole Willoughby

My Philosophy

 

In my opinion, a counselor's role is to take the time to listen and build relationships.   In addition to education, it is essential that the students’ social, emotional, and physical needs be met.  Students need structure, guidance, and consistency in their daily lives.   It is important to celebrate diversity, avoid stereotypes, and respect disabilities.  Furthermore, in this data-driven evidence based era, we most definitely should collaborate with others considering every aspect of counseling whether it is guidance curriculum, individual planning, or interventions.  Counseling can be brief, long-term, active, or passive.  Every situation is different.   Moreover, school counselors should actively conduct guidance counseling regularly.  This is a proactive approach to certain issues that tend to occur at certain ages, for example bullying or drug usage.  Lastly, a passive approach is more of a cognitive coaching that occurs in a situation when the person doesn’t even realize they are being counseled but consequently figures out the solution, with the help of the counselor.