roles of a gc

Schmidt 2008, states that a counselor is someone who has become confident and is a helper for persons who have sought assistance, persons who have been less fortunate than others and need the comfort of a friend. With the guide of a counselor they can begin the process of helping people to make important choices that will affect their lives; hence guidance counselors play very vital roles in our every day situation. Geldard, 2003 affirms that guidance counselors need to have an understanding of psychology and human development processes and impeccable comprehension counseling theory and a range of theoretical approaches. Therefore guidance is the processes of helping people make important choices that affect their lives.

A guidance counselor’s main priority focuses on ensuring that individuals choose what they value most as they make the necessary changes to get them on the path they desire. People have always and will continue to seek the wisdom and advice of others whom they respect. In most instances, people who seek assistance are concerned with issues that revolve around relationships with themselves and others, Schmidt 2008. People want to know, “who am I?”, “Where do I belong?” and “What should I be doing with my life?” In assessing these questions individuals will seek the help of persons who should be able to create a caring atmosphere where desired goals can be explored and a plan for achieving these goals can be formed. This process of collecting information, becoming self conscious, exploring options and goals and choosing a direction which will ultimately lead to success is the obligation of a guidance counselor.

In order to crucially understand behavior among the citizens of Jamaica Guidance & Counseling was introduced in 1957 -1958 according to the Ministry of Education in a document entitled the beginning of Guidance & Counseling in Jamaica. It also states that Guidance & Counseling started at the community level, where voluntary