International School Counselor Consultation
There is significant benefit to supervision and consultation for international school counselors in terms of professional growth and improved outcomes for students. The International School Counselor Association (ISCA) emphasizes that consultation provides crucial support in addressing complex student issues, managing professional boundaries, and maintaining mental health standards. Engaging in supervision and consultation can help counselors navigate diverse challenges and prevent professional isolation.
Supervision and consultation can also support the following:
Reduced Burnout and Compassion Fatigue: School counselors often face high levels of emotional stress due to the intensity of their roles, which include managing mental health crises, handling academic issues, and supporting students' social-emotional needs. Studies show that supervision can reduce burnout and compassion fatigue by giving counselors a safe space to process their experiences, manage stress, and receive emotional support (Bernard & Goodyear, 2019).
Professional Development and Ethical Competence: When supervision/consultation is a regular part of a counselor’s practice, it fosters continuous learning, helping school counselors keep pace with best practices in mental health and education. Counselors with this support have higher levels of ethical competence, especially in managing boundaries and confidentiality, which are complex in a school setting (Borders et al., 2014).
Improved Student Outcomes: When school counselors have regular consultation, they are better equipped to develop effective interventions and support systems tailored to student needs. Studies suggest that well-supported counselors can implement more impactful programs that contribute to improved academic performance and better emotional regulation among students (ASCA, 2017).
Enhanced Reflective Practice and Self-Awareness: Supervision and consultation encourage counselors to reflect on their own practices, biases, and areas for growth. This reflective practice improves their self-awareness, which is critical for adapting to diverse school environments and addressing individual student differences more effectively (DeKruyf & Pehrsson, 2011).
Here are citations for articles related to school counselor supervision and consultation:
Bernard, J. M., & Goodyear, R. K. (2019). Fundamentals of clinical supervision (6th ed.). Pearson.
Borders, L. D., Glosoff, H. L., Welfare, L. E., Hays, D. G., DeKruyf, L., Fernando, D. M., & Page, B. (2014). Best practices in clinical supervision: Evolution of a counseling specialty. The Clinical Supervisor, 33(1), 26–44.
American School Counselor Association (ASCA). (2017). The School Counselor and Supervision. ASCA Position Statements. Retrieved from ASCA website
DeKruyf, L., & Pehrsson, D. E. (2011). School counseling supervision in challenging times: The use of expressive techniques in reflective supervision. Journal of School Counseling, 9(4), 1-26.
Sessions are customized to the needs of each counselor, as school contexts and resources vary. Whether your resources support bi-weekly or monthly sessions, we will work to make it work within your parameters.
You will work with a licensed counselor in either one-to-one or group sessions. In the beginning, we will set goals which we will revisit during our time together. Sessions may include such elements as case discussions, ethical challenges, skill development, self-care, and more.
The sessions themselves are highly individual and are tailored to the goals of the individual counselor and their shifting needs as the school year progresses. The counselor you work with is well-versed in supporting school counselors and will co-create your experience with you.
Our consultation service provides essential support for counselors seeking to gain support, enhance their professional skills, maintain ethical standards, and gain insights from experienced supervisors. Whether you’re a new counselor or a seasoned professional, consultation options are tailored to meet your needs in both individual and group formats.
Individual Supervision
In one-on-one consultation, you’ll work closely with a licensed, experienced counselor who offers personalized guidance to help you navigate client cases, ethical challenges, and professional growth. Individual sessions create a confidential space for discussing complex cases, receiving feedback, and developing and refining specialized counseling skills.
Group Supervision
Group consultation allows counselors to learn within a supportive community, gaining multiple perspectives on counseling approaches and techniques. Led by an experienced counselor, these sessions foster collaboration and peer support, with counselors sharing case studies, discussing ethical dilemmas, and engaging in professional dialogue. Group consultation is an excellent choice for counselors looking to broaden their perspectives, learn from others, and build a network of support. Groups range from 2-4 school counselors.
Janelle Grier:
Having worked as a school counselor for the past ten years in international schools, six of those years as head of department, I deeply understand not only the challenges and complex cultural elements at play in the role, but also the unique context of international school counseling.
I am trained in child safeguarding, have been a member of safeguarding teams, and have run a counseling team where I regularly dealt with safeguarding challenges. In addition to safeguarding issues, ethical challenges also arise in our work, and I can help you navigate your own school’s structures and support your work with students.
When looking for supervision support, many international school counselors find that supervisors, though skilled in many domains, may not have a full understanding of the school context. While these professionals can be enormously helpful, they are not always able to fully understand the international school world that counselors inhabit.
From the unique cultural contexts in which we spend our days to the varied systems and structures in place, an international school counseling supervisor can truly help you navigate the challenges you face. From the unique cultural contexts in which we spend our days to the varied systems and structures in place, an international school counseling supervisor can truly help you navigate the challenges you face.
Monday through Friday, some weekday evening/weekend availability
Janelle Grier
@JanelleBKK
Janelle