"Preferred Qualities in High School Counselors" by Kirk Zinck, April Hughes et al.

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

Article Title

Preferred Qualities in High School Counselors

Authors

Kirk Zinck, University of Texas at Tyler
April Hughes, University of Texas at Tyler
Rachel Oney, University of Texas at Tyler

Abstract

Utilizing focus groups with middle, high school, and university students, this phenomenological study developed a three-faceted perspective on student preferences for the personal and professional qualities of high school counselors. Findings revealed that students value the accessibility of counselors. Informants identified elements of accessibility that include authentic concern, trustworthiness, an interactive presence, unconditional acceptance, and attuned empathy as the primary qualities they prefer in a high school counselor. The findings have implications for the professional development of high school counselors and for those who train, hire, and supervise them.

Recommended Citation

Zinck, Kirk; Hughes, April; and Oney, Rachel (2011) "Preferred Qualities in High School Counselors," Journal of Counseling Research and Practice: Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56702/UCKX8598/jcrp0201.4
Available at: https://egrove.olemiss.edu/jcrp/vol2/iss1/4

Download

Included in

Counselor Education Commons

COinS