Problem:
Write a brief response to the following discussion post:
Summary of findings from interviews with School Counselors
Interviews with professional school counselors across west-central Alabama revealed growing concerns about self-harming behaviors, suicide ideation, and substance use among students. The counselors shared that these issues often arise from emotional distress, family instability, and academic pressure. They emphasized that early identification, compassionate support, and prevention programs such as Signs of Suicide and Red Ribbon Week are essential in addressing these challenges. Each counselor expressed that promoting students' emotional well-being is directly linked to their academic motivation and career readiness. Without mental stability, students struggle to complete programs, earn credentials, or envision successful futures. Overall, the findings highlighted the vital role school counselors play in helping students build resilience, find hope, and prepare for meaningful careers.
Based on my research, what issues do I plan to include in my project?
Based on my independent research and interviews with professional school counselors in my area, I plan to focus my project on three critical issues that continue to impact student well-being and long-term success: self-harming behaviors, suicide ideation, and substance use. These concerns emerged repeatedly in my conversations with counselors who described how emotional distress and unhealthy coping habits often interfere with students' ability to stay engaged in school, build positive relationships, and prepare for future careers. Because I work at a college and career academy, I see firsthand how mental health directly influences students' motivation, attendance, and confidence in pursuing their career goals. My resource summary and annotated bibliography will therefore explore current research, evidence-based interventions, and school-based prevention programs that address these challenges while also supporting academic growth and career readiness.
How the interviews impacted my selection of issues to study further and why.
Completing the interviews with professional school counselors had a powerful impact on the direction of my project. Hearing firsthand accounts of students struggling with self-harming behaviors, suicidal thoughts, and substance use made these issues feel very real and urgent. Each counselor's perspective helped me understand that these challenges are not isolated incidents; they are growing concerns that directly affect students' ability to focus, learn, and prepare for their futures.
The conversations also helped me connect these mental health struggles to my own professional setting at the Hale County College & Career Academy. I realized that students cannot fully engage in career and technical education or achieve long-term success if they are battling emotional pain or unhealthy coping habits. That understanding solidified my decision to study these three issues more deeply.
By focusing on self-harm, suicide ideation, and substance use, I hope my project will highlight the importance of mental wellness as a foundation for academic achievement and career readiness. The interviews reminded me that school counselors do more than guide students; they play a vital role in saving lives and shaping futures.
Summary of the content of the first video by Dr. Grande.
Dr. Todd Grande provided some background information about Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, tracing its origins to the early 1980s and the individuals who initiated it. He also explained the therapy and how it's used to help clients make positive changes while working collaboratively with the therapist. He also explained the techniques therapists use in this therapy, such as building cooperation to connect the present to the future while ignoring the past, using reframing, rating scales, setting small goals that can be measured, and there is no need for detailed information. He also explained the advantages and disadvantages of using this therapy. This therapy is supported by research and is effective because it's a brief therapy. Its use of small, achievable goals also helps it last for a short period. The disadvantages he mentioned are that there is no universal truth because reality is constructed through conversation. It doesn't accurately reflect the client's history because it doesn't adequately focus on the past. He also said he felt the client's needs could be overlooked if they needed more extended care.
Summary of the second video with the counselor using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
The video counseling session was a good example of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in practice. I appreciate how the counselor utilized the rating scale, a technique employed in this therapy to gauge participants' feelings and emotions. She also used another method by asking the client to describe her perfect day. Seeing this counselor use this therapy in action really helped me understand the benefits of using it in the school setting with younger students. The counseling session also demonstrated how the client and counselor worked collaboratively to identify changes that would help the client, who rated her feelings as a seven. Then, after she described a perfect day, it helped the client think about what she could do to improve things. She decided to try being nice and offer to tutor them, and the therapist would follow up in a few days. I really enjoyed the video of the counseling session, which showed what Dr. Grande explained.
My Opinion of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
In a school setting, Focus Brief Therapy is used more frequently because it helps clients make positive changes, provided these changes are collaborative efforts between the therapist and the client. It is a good fit for students, unless they have other specific needs and concerns. It's suitable for students in a school setting, as it allows you to work on small goals, which are often more attainable for younger or lower-functioning students. It may be helpful to focus on one problem at a time, which will help students to feel like they are making immediate progress, even if it's tackling one issue at a time. Need Assignment Help?