What is the difference between a therapist and a school counselor?

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Research is key! Always prepare yourself to answer questions involving concepts in your field that could create confusion. You don't have to be too technical in the definition but it should be concise.

"One of the differences would be how extensive their services can be. For example, school counsellors may address cases that require immediate action (e.g. school fights) or periodic counselling with students depending on the severity of the issue. However, therapists may offer services for a longer period of time because they use multiple approaches during therapy sessions and would require more time to observe behavioural patterns that need to be addressed."

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"School counselors have a broader role in that they work with students to assist with academic and career development as well as to support personal, social, and emotional well-being; school counselors have access to students on a daily basis and can address issues that arise at the moment; school counselors have a unique opportunity to help students in both a preventative and responsive manner. Therapists work with people to develop a specific treatment plan, address identified specific issues, usually weekly or bi-weekly over a period of time."

Stephanie's Feedback

You do a good job distinguishing the difference between the work of a therapist and that of a school counselor. You may consider including a sentence that shows your particular interest and enthusiasm for school counseling (being able to meet students in their daily setting, being able to support students both academically and personally, etc)

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Anonymous Answer

"One of the differences would be in the services that can be provided. School counselors can provide support for academic and personal and emotional issues that interfere with learning. School counselors are limited in the number of sessions they can see a student whereas a therapist may offer services for a longer period of time because they use multiple approaches during therapy sessions and would require more time to observe behavioral patterns that need to be addressed."

Cindy's Feedback

Good. It sounds like you have a clear sense of the differences. You may want to start with a definition of both, upfront. For example, one provides support for academics and the other for emotional support and then the detail will cohere.

Anonymous Answer

"A therapist supports the school counselor by working with students who need more intensive therapy and have more severe mental health issues. A counselor is more likely to work with students who have anxiety, are feeling depressed, or need help solving problems. Counselors are more solution-focused and handle more minor mental health issues. Counselors are often the first point of contact for suicidal or in-crisis students."

Marcie's Feedback

Nice! It seems like you clearly understand the differences between a therapist and a school counselor, which the interviewer will appreciate. Perhaps you can also mention how you learned the difference - was it from your studies or personal experience in the workforce? And which role do you prefer and why?

Anonymous Answer

"Therapists provide long-term mental health treatment to clients. Whereas school counselors provide short-term, solution-focused intervention plans for students."

Jaymie's Feedback

Good job! If you can include any experience or benefits of working together with therapists feel free to share that as well.

How to Answer: What is the difference between a therapist and a school counselor?

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

7. What is the difference between a therapist and a school counselor?

How to Answer

Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014

Answer Example

Written by Ryan Brown on August 12th, 2014

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Stephanie's Feedback

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Cindy's Feedback

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Marcie's Feedback

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"Therapists provide long-term mental health treatment to clients. Whereas school counselors provide short-term, solution-focused intervention plans for students."

Jaymie's Feedback

Good job! If you can include any experience or benefits of working together with therapists feel free to share that as well.

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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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