Book Excerpt On The Guidance Counsellor’s Handbook by Denise N. Fyffe

While pursuing my studies in counselling, I noticed that all the books we used were from overseas authors. As such, I decided to ensure that I represented for our country as well. It is the responsibility of writers, who can, to not be selfish in their endeavors, but to think about our countries welfare as well.

You will find that the knowledge contained in this book encapsulates the history and overall growth of school counselling in the western Hemisphere.

Excerpt

Responsibilities to Students

The professional school counsellor has a primary obligation to the student, who is to be treated with respect as a unique individual[1]. This ensures and encourages the self-esteem and confidence of that student. In treating the individual with respect the counsellor is therefore enforcing and upholding the basic right and constitution of the individual.

The counsellor is also concerned with the educational, academic, career, personal and social needs and encourages the maximum development of every student. It is the responsibility of the counsellor to act as facilitator/overseer, the one who ensures if no one else does, that the child is receiving education and that they grow as a complete and healthy human being. Also this allows the counsellor to identify the specific needs of this ‘unique’ child and in most cases train, coach, and teach them.

Another responsibility of the school counsellor is to respect the student’s values and beliefs and do not impose their (the counsellor’s) personal values. This is compulsory because every individual have a right and freedom to possess their own particular belief. They should be informed that they (the student) have a right to express their beliefs.

The counsellor should advise the student that they too should respect other’s differences and diverse nature. Knowledge of the laws, regulations and policies is compulsory as it relates to students, and counsellor must strive to protect and inform students regarding their rights. Without knowledge we cannot function and perform our tasks. If the counsellor does not know what atrocities are being committed against a student, then he/she will not be able to protect them.

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About the writer:
Poetess Denise N. Fyffe is a published author of over 30 books, for more than six years and enjoys volunteering as a Counselor. She is a freelance writer for online publications such as Revealing the Christian Life, among others.

The Guidance Counsellor’s Handbook, introduces the Jamaican educational system and highlights the psychometric movement, the trait and factor theory as well as legislation that impacted the development of present guidelines and ethical standards. It also explores the counselling process, issues of school management, school organisational structure and several counselling techniques which are apt for the school setting. The book also examines the various roles and responsibilities of a Jamaican Guidance Counsellor and provides a list of resource centers in Jamaica.