Individual Counseling The counselor conducts a personal and private interaction with a student in which they work together on a program or topic of interest. A face-to-face, one-on-one meeting with the counselor provides a student maximum privacy in which to freely explore ideas, feelings, and behaviors. School counselors exhibit trust and disseminate information, always respecting the rights, integrity, and welfare of students. Counselors are obligated by law and ethical standards to report and to refer a case when a person's welfare is in jeopardy. It is a counselor's duty to inform an individual of the conditions and limitations under which assistance may be provided.
Small Group Counseling In small group counseling a counselor works with two or more students together. Group size generally ranges from five to eight members. Group discussions may be relatively unstructured or may be based on structured learning activities. Group members have an opportunity to learn from each other. They can share ideas, give and receive feedback, increase their awareness, gain new knowledge, practice skills, and think about their goals and actions. Group discussions may be problem-centered, where attention is given to particular concerns or problems. Discussions may be growth-centered, where general topics are related to personal and academic development.
Large Group Counseling Large group work involves cooperative learning methods, in which the larger group may be divided into smaller working groups under the supervision of a counselor and teacher. The school counseling curriculum, composed of organized objectives and activities, is delivered by counselors and teachers in classrooms or advisory groups. Counselors develop and present special guidance units which give attention to particular developmental issues or areas of concern in their respective schools. They may partner with teachers and other members of the school community to deliver part of the school counseling curriculum, frequently making cross-curricular connections.