How do you try to counsel students who are known to cause violence?

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Community Answers

The format of your answer is similar to when you are asked about handling difficult/challenging clients - define the circumstance, explain your course of action and then state your desired result. This time, you just have to tailor fit your manner of answering to the type of student you are being asked about.

"Students who are known to cause violence are difficult to talk to because their tendency is to channel all their energy physically. When I counsel students like this, I make sure that the environment is conducive for talking and that there will be nothing or no one that can be an object of his/her aggression. I then ask the student what it is that he/she hopes to achieve every time they act violently. My goal is that by beginning the counselling session with that question, the student will realise that his/her action is counterproductive and doesn't benefit anyone at all."

Anonymous Answer

"When I work with students who have a tendency towards violence whenever they are emotional, I first and foremost try to create a safe, quiet space where they can deescalate in the moment of emotional outburst. Once I have given he/she time to calm themselves, I often ask what initially triggered the emotional response and get the person to provide alternative solutions to the problem they perceive, other than to use violence. I work with students to get them to realize that they have the power to make decisions that will result in better outcomes if they can learn to control their impulses and take a moment to think before reacting to any given situation. It is a process that takes time and patience and can only be achieved if I make the effort to form a trusting bond with students."

Rachelle's Feedback

Empowering those who feel powerless is an excellent point to minimizing violent behavior and emotion outbursts. Perfect response.

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Anonymous Answer

"Using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention techniques will be helpful when counseling students who are known to cause violence, so the student remains in a de-escalated state. We can discuss the reason behind aggressive/violent reactions, the benefits and risks of reacting in such a way, and his/her readiness for change. I would begin by asking if this is something he/she would like to work on, and then I'd be ready to offer some coping skills."

Stephanie's Feedback

Excellent response; you have a clear plan in place for helping the student to de-escalate and cope with the situation at hand.

Anonymous Answer

"Students who are known to cause violence are difficult to work with because their tendency is to channel all their energy physically. When I counsel students like this, I make sure that the environment is safe for talking and that there will be no one hurt. Then I ask the student what it is that he/she hopes to achieve every time they act violently. My goal is that by beginning the counseling session with that question, the student will realize that his/her action is counterproductive and doesn't benefit anyone at all."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! Do you have any experience working with violent students that you can also mention here? Talking about a time when you successfully managed a student with severe behavioral issues would give the interviewer the confidence that you're capable in this area of counseling. Good job!

How to Answer: How do you try to counsel students who are known to cause violence?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a School Counselor job interview.

10. How do you try to counsel students who are known to cause violence?

How to Answer

Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014

Answer Example

Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

Rachelle's Feedback

Empowering those who feel powerless is an excellent point to minimizing violent behavior and emotion outbursts. Perfect response.

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Anonymous Answer

Stephanie's Feedback

Excellent response; you have a clear plan in place for helping the student to de-escalate and cope with the situation at hand.

Anonymous Answer

Marcie's Feedback

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About the Author

Krista Wenz

I began my career in emergency medical services (EMS) over 30 years ago, working as a Firefighter-Paramedic, EMS Captain, Mental Health Technician, ER Technician, EMT and Paramedic Adjunct Instructor, and EMS Educator. During my career, I served on over one thousand interview panels to help various organizations choose the right candidate for the job.

My interview experience includes hiring emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, professors, school counselors, nurses, medical assistants, school support staff, home health aides, and physician assistants. I have created curricula and training materials to prepare candidates for interviews and held mock interview courses for healthcare and educational professionals. I have coached paramedic and EMT students to pass their licensing exams and counseled and mentored many other healthcare professionals in providing compassionate patient care.

As a coach and contributor for MockQuestions, I am excited to help you navigate your upcoming school counselor interview. While these questions assess your critical thinking and communication skills, interviewers also ask these questions to gain insight into your personality to determine if you will be a good fit with the company culture. Remember to be relaxed and be your authentic self. Best of luck in acing your interview!

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