Professionals and Practitioners in Counselling

The video opens with a welcome to the Deped Itulay Online Tutorial Program, presented by Yumstic Tutor G and Yum Stastic Tutor Rio Realme. They extend greetings to students, parents, and teachers, acknowledging DepEd Manila for the module used in the session. They also recognize Enrico Manuel T. Dalupan for his active participation in the previous week's discussion and offer appreciation to their respective school principals and co-teachers.

The main objectives for the session are outlined: students should be able to discuss the roles and functions of counselors, identify specific work areas where counselors are employed, and appreciate the importance of counselors as essential agents of development.

The tutors conduct a quick review of the previous lesson. They present five true or false statements related to counseling, such as whether counselors solely determine goals in the counseling process, if counseling is a helping relationship, and the definitions of geography and psychology. The audience actively participates by providing their answers in the comments section.

The new lesson begins with a thought-provoking question: 'I need help. Where will I go?' The tutors ask students who they confide in when facing personal problems related to academics, relationships, family, or identity. Responses from the audience, such as friends, best friends, or God, are shared, leading into the importance of professional help.

Counseling is defined as an 'intimate form of learning' that requires an authentic practitioner. It involves a relationship where the counselor provides genuine support and understanding. The core principles of counseling are discussed, including developing trust, exploring problem areas, setting goals, empowering action, maintaining change, and agreeing on when to end the counseling process.

The video explains the journey of counseling, highlighting that 'wounds will be open, feelings will be explored, and perception and growth will be secured.' Counselors have a responsibility to their clients, fostering a personal relationship while adhering to rules and regulations. Republic Act 9258, the Guidance and Counseling Act of 2004, is introduced as the legal framework guiding the ethical relationship between client and therapist, ensuring protection for both parties.

The continuous and multifaceted roles of professional counselors are detailed. Their functions include providing individual and group counseling services, acting as developmental classroom guidance specialists by preparing lessons and implementing guidance instructions (like Home Room Guidance, HRG), and serving as leaders and advocates of academic success by helping students overcome barriers. Additional functions discussed are career development specialists, advocates of a safe school environment (zero bullying, protection from exploitation), advocates for students with special needs and at risk (e.g., dropping out), and school and community collaboration specialists.

Various specializations within counseling are explored: career/vocational counselors assist individuals dissatisfied with their career choices; school counselors focus on preventive and developmental counseling for students from elementary to tertiary levels; community counselors help improve relationships and adjustment within community settings; rehabilitation counselors aid those recovering from substance abuse or dealing with disabilities; mental health and clinical counselors address and treat mental and emotional disorders, often collaborating with other specialists like psychiatrists and psychologists; and industrial counselors handle employee concerns and development in the workplace.

The tutors engage the audience with questions to test their understanding. Questions include 'Why is counseling a profession if it can be done by anyone?' and 'Teachers can also counsel their students. Do you think they could be considered as good counselors? Why or why not?' Students provide insightful answers, emphasizing the specialized training and deep knowledge required for professional counseling, and recognizing the important supportive role teachers play.

A five-item multiple-choice quiz is administered to assess the students' comprehension of the lesson. The questions cover various aspects of counselor roles, functions, and ethical practices, designed to reinforce the key takeaways from the discussion on professionals and practitioners in counseling.

The session concludes with appreciation for the audience's active participation in the Q&A and post-activity. The video ends with a quote by Henry Ford: 'If there is anyone secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person point of view and see things from that person's angle as well as from your own.'