Counselling at Chikangwe High School and the surrounding environment plays a

significant roles. Counselling provides emotional support to learners, helping them

navigate the challenges and pressures the may face face in school and the surrounding
environment.Moreso, it offers a safe space for learners to express their feelings,
concerns and anxieties.

Counselling involves an interpersonal relationship between someone seeking help and

someone willing to give help or train to give help in a setting that allows help to be
given and received. School si a place where teachers and learners learners come to
facilitate learning and acquiring knowledge, skills and values. Sorrounding community
refers to the group of people who live, work or interact in the vicinity of a particular
location.

Counselling issues include academic stress and pressure where learners often
experience academic stress due to high expectations, competition, and the need to excel
academically (Albright, 2018). According to Thompson, (2019) , bullying and peer
conflicts issues related to bullying, conflicts among peers, and social exclusion can
significantly impact students' mental health and well-being .

Mental health concerns: Many students face mental health challenges such as anxiety,
depression, and self-esteem issues, which can affect their overall functioning and
academic performance (Williams, 2020). In addition to this, substance abuse, including
alcohol and drug misuse, can be prevalent among both students and community
members, leading to various psychological and social problems (Albright, 2018).Family
issues and transitions , family-related problems such as divorce, domestic violence, and
parental conflicts can have a significant impact on students' emotional well-being and
academic success (Thompson, 2019).

Cultural and diversity issues: Students from diverse backgrounds may face challenges
related to cultural identity, discrimination, and acculturation, which can affect their
sense of belonging and overall mental health. Furthermore ,Career and future concerns:
Students often experience stress and anxiety related to career choices, college
admissions, and future planning, which may require guidance and support (Albright,
2018).It is important for school counselors and mental health professionals to be aware
of these common counseling issues to effectively address the needs of students and the
community as a whole.

In schools and the surrounding community, various types of counseling services are
typically offered to address the diverse needs of individuals. Some common types of
counseling available in schools and the community include School-Based Counseling
Programs, school-based counseling programs encompass a range of counseling services
provided within the school setting. These programs may include individual counseling,
group counseling, and counseling interventions tailored to address specific student
needs (Gysbers & Henderson, 2012). Mental health counseling focuses on supporting
individuals dealing with mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders, depression,
trauma, or substance abuse. Mental health counselors provide therapy and
interventions aimed at promoting psychological well-being (American Counseling
Association, 2014). Family counseling involves working with families to address
relational issues, improve communication, and resolve conflicts. To add on, family
counselors provide support and guidance to help families navigate challenging
situations and strengthen their relationships (American Association for Marriage and
Family Therapy, 2015).Substance Abuse Counseling: Substance abuse counseling is
aimed at individuals struggling with substance abuse or addiction. Counselors in this
field provide assessments, therapy, and guidance to help individuals overcome addiction
and maintain a substance-free lifestyle (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). Career
counseling assists individuals in exploring career options, identifying strengths and
interests, and making informed career decisions. Career counselors provide guidance on
educational and vocational paths, job search strategies, and skill development (National
Career Development Association, 2015). Another vital counselling is individual which
focusses on addressing personal issues, emotional challenges and mental health
concerns on a one-on-one basis.
According to the American School Association (ASCA) , the members who typically
provide counselling services at school include school counsellor ,Psychologist and social
.School counsellors are trained professionals who assist student with with academic
personal and social development .At school teachers are also play a vital role as
counsellors as they guide learners by giving them ideas on how to cope with challenges
in their lives. Furthermore, social workers may offer counselling services to learners and
families.

In the community setting, various professionals may provide counseling services. Some
of the members who commonly offer counseling services in the community include
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs): LPCs are trained mental health professionals
who provide counseling services to individuals, families, and groups in community
settings. They may specialize in areas such as substance abuse, trauma, or marriage and
family therapy. In addition to this, Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs): MFTs
specialize in working with couples and families. They provide counseling services to
address relationship issues, communication problems, and family dynamics.

Psychiatric Nurses: Psychiatric nurses with specialized training in mental health care
may offer counseling services in community settings. They can provide support,
education, and therapy to individuals with mental health concerns. Peer Counselors:
Peer counselors are individuals with lived experience in specific areas, such as addiction
recovery or mental health challenges. They offer support, empathy, and guidance to
others facing similar issues. It’s important to note that the availability and roles of these
professionals may vary depending on the specific community and the resources
available.

Effectiveness of counseling at schools can be influenced by several factors. For instance,

research has shown that a positive school climate and supportive administrative policies
can enhance the effectiveness of counseling services (Whiston, 2014). Collaboration and
communication between school counselors, teachers, and parents can also contribute to
better student outcomes (Sink, 2018). Additionally, the use of evidence-based practices
and interventions, tailored to meet the needs of diverse student populations, has been
associated with improved counseling effectiveness (Whiston, 2013).
On the other hand, several factors can hinder the effectiveness of counseling at schools.
Limited resources and high student-to-counselor ratios can pose significant challenges
to delivering comprehensive counseling services (Sink, 2018). Lack of training and
professional development opportunities for school counselors can also impact their
effectiveness (Sink, 2018). Additionally, stigma surrounding mental health issues and
counseling may discourage students from seeking help, thereby reducing the
effectiveness of counseling services (Whiston, 2014).

To make counseling more effective in schools and communities, several strategies can
be implemented. According to Smith (2018), these strategies include Collaboration with
stakeholders, involving school staff, parents, and community members in the counseling
process can enhance its effectiveness. This collaboration promotes a holistic approach
to addressing students' needs and ensures a consistent support system across different
environments.

Comprehensive needs assessment: Conducting a thorough assessment of students'

needs allows counselors to tailor their interventions accordingly. This assessment can
involve surveys, interviews, and observations to gather relevant information about
students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges .Evidence-based
interventions: Using counseling approaches and techniques that are supported by
research and have demonstrated effectiveness is crucial. Evidence-based interventions
provide counselors with a framework to guide their practice and increase the likelihood
of positive outcomes.

Developing cultural competence among counselors is essential to effectively serve

diverse populations. This involves understanding and respecting the cultural
backgrounds, values, and beliefs of students and their families. Culturally competent
counseling creates a safe and inclusive environment for students to express themselves
.Prevention and early intervention: Implementing proactive strategies to address
potential issues before they escalate is key. Counseling programs that focus on
prevention and early intervention can help identify and support students who may be at
risk for academic difficulties, social isolation, or mental health challenges (Smith,
2018).Moreover, Professional development providing ongoing professional
development opportunities for counselors helps them stay updated on the latest
research, interventions, and best practices in the field. Continuous learning enhances
their knowledge and skills, thereby improving the quality of counseling services.

In conclusion counselling in schools and surrounding environment is essential for

promoting learners emotional well-being ,academic success ,and personal
development.In addition to this it creates a supportive and nurturing environment that
enhances learners overall quality of life and prepares them for future challenges.
References:

Albright, J. (2018). School Counseling Issues and Interventions. In The Wiley Handbook
of School Choice (pp. 373-394). Wiley.

Gysbers & Henderson, 2012

Thompson, R. (2019). The school counselor's role in bullying prevention. Journal of

School Counseling, 17(3), 1-19.

Whiston, S. C. (2013). Evidence-based school counseling.

Williams, M. T. (2020). School mental health services for ethnic minority youth: The role
of cultural competence. In Handbook of School Mental Health (pp. 337-350). Springer.

Sink, C. A. (2018). School counseling: Practices, interventions, and assessments.

Routledge.