History of School Counseling

History of School Counseling

Anita N. Richburg
Salem College
October 2014

History of School Counseling

Introduction
During the early developments of school counseling, the profession was referred
to as vocation counseling. Vocation counseling included supportive services geared
towards helping individuals find their best vocational fit, in hopes of setting individuals
up for job and/or career success. In the past, vocational counseling was viewed as
important because it use helped individuals find the most successful vocational path for
each individuals needs, which was especially important during times when the economy
was taking a hit.
Fast forward to present day and school counselors still work out of a foundation
of helping each individual student find their own successful path upon completion of
school, thus helping them find their best educational or vocational fit. However, present
day counselors also take on many more roles in the school to include providing support
and education to teachers, administrators, and parents on how to provide the most
effective forms of support to students.

Past and Present of School Counseling

The school counseling profession has always been one with a great focus on
preparing individuals to lead lives of self-sufficiency. School counselors have historically
been expected to use scientific and research based methods to be able to effectively meet
each students needs. It is evident that school counselors work diligently to aim to use a
holistic approach in addressing each students needs. School counselors meet the needs of
students by ensuring that each students physical, mental and academic needs are met. By
approaching individuals holistically, counselors are able to gain a perspective on how to

History of School Counseling

build confidence in and individual which will ultimately lead to the empowerment of that
individual to be able to begin the path to a self-sufficient life.

It seems that the beginnings of school counseling provided a solid foundation for
what the school counseling profession looks like today. School counselors have
historically and presently worn many hats in their profession. School counselors take on
not only the role of helping students achieve their academic success, but also in helping
them to build their confidence, and build better peer relationships both which lead to
successful higher education and career paths. School counseling in the past and school
counseling today share many similarities. It seems that while the general role of the
counselor is the same, present day counselors provide a more detailed approach to
students in ensuring their success.

Initial impression vs. Current impression

My initial impression of the school counseling profession was one of guidance. I

even referred to school counselors as guidance counselors in the beginning of the
program, which I have since learned this is a dated term. I initially viewed elementary
school counselors as the staff member in the school who teaches the students about
bullying, peer relationships, stranger danger and other issues children in elementary
school may face. My initial view of middle school and high school counselors was one
that ensures each students has a schedule of classes tailored to their individual academic
needs to prep them for high school and college. I also viewed high school counselors as a
gateway to college, one who guides high school students in selecting the college or
training program to best fit their needs upon graduation. After the readings and

History of School Counseling

assignments of this course, I have learned a great deal of what a school counselor really
does in their profession.
While I feel I knew a small piece of a school counselors responsibilities, I can
admit that I had no idea the great lengths a counselor takes to ensure they are providing
the most effective services in a school. My current understanding of the role of the school
counselor is not only to provide academic guidance to students but to also provide
counseling to students to ensure their emotional needs are being met as well. I was
surprised to learn that school counselors use various counseling techniques and theories
in their profession, as I was always under the impression a school counselor would refer a
student out to a therapist to receive therapy services. However in reading the Gysbers
text, I am learning that school counselors can provide supportive counseling to students,
as school counselors are provided with the proper level of education and training to be
able to do so effectively.

Desires to become a School Counselor

Knowing what I know now of the school counseling profession has only increased
my desire to become a school counselor. Prior to knowing the extent of the profession, I
was excited about the opportunity to be able to work with youth and serve as an advocate
and guidance role during their school career. The opportunity to be able to do that as well
as also provide emotional support and guidance at the same time both piques my interest
in learning more about the profession, as well as makes me more eager to complete the
M.Ed program with Salem College. I am excited to continue the journey in learning what
it takes to be an effective school counselor.

History of School Counseling

Conclusion

School counseling has come a long way historically. In reading the text and developing
the chart it seems the progression of the school counseling profession is one that has
come out of trial and error and has developed by others witnessing the high need for
school counselors. School counselors have proven over several decades that with their
presence, there is a higher success rate of students transitioning into successful
individuals academically, socially and professionally.

History of School Counseling

A Timeline of School Counseling

According to the Gysbers text, the ASCA National Model and the ASCA
Competencies for School Counseling, the profession has made major developments over
time and continues to mature professionally in many ways. Below is a brief timeline of
the history of school counseling.
The Beginning 1920-1930's
Society witnesses a growth in the movement towards progressive education,
calling for the profession of school and guidance counseling to develop
In the early 1900's a man names Frank Pasrons works diligently to established the
what is referred to as the Bureau of Vocational Guidance, which carries the main
role of empowering young people in taking the proper steps to successfully move
from school to work.
During the later part of this period the Great Depression occurs causing a hault in
the development and the use of school counselors due to lack of economic support.
1940-1960
Carl Rogers helps to identify the role of the school counselor. It is also determined
during this time that school counselors can help many groups including students
and military personnel in determining their next career step upon completion of
school and military training.
The start of guidance and personnel development began
As legislation began to increase and take more of an interest in education, the role
of the school counselor became more defined and supported.
Several elementary schools across society began to house school counselors,
school counseling began to be viewed by more as a vital role in the school system.
The 1980s- present
ASCA National Standards for School Counseling stablished rules for governing
school counseling including 3 main areas of Academic, Career, and Personal. There
were also several standards and competencies established for grade levels K-12.

History of School Counseling

References
Gysbers, N.C. (2010). Remembering the past, shaping the future: A history of School
Counseling. Alexandria, VA: American School Counselor Association.
American School Counselor Association (2012). The ASCA National Model: A
framework for school counseling programs (3rd Ed.). Alexandria, VA: Author.