My Journey to Becoming a School Counselor
Have you ever read There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom by Louis Sachar?
That book changed my life.
It’s about a boy named Bradley Chalkers who is repeating fifth grade. He’s rude. He disrupts class. No one wants to talk to him or sit by him. He destroys property. But then, a new school counselor starts working at his school. She listens to him. She encourages him. And by the end of the book, Bradley is a model student.
I was in tears.
I wanted to be that person.
The person who encourages a child to see power in themselves.
The Path to Becoming a School Counselor in Georgia
My journey to becoming a school counselor started with that book, but the actual process was much more complex. In Georgia, school counselors must have a master’s degree from an accredited program. Most M.Ed. programs require 60 credit hours, covering everything from human development and counseling theories to ethics and interventions.
To get certified, you must also complete a 600-hour internship at an elementary school, with the option to do additional hours at a middle or high school. Those internship hours are critical because they provide hands-on experience working with students, teachers, and families.
And then, there’s the GACE School Counseling Exam—a two-part test with multiple-choice and essay questions that assess your knowledge of counseling techniques, ethical standards, and educational policy. However, before you can take the school counseling exam, you must also pass the GACE Basic Skills Assessment (which covers reading, writing, and math).
Exemption Option: If you scored 1000 or higher on the SAT (math + verbal), you are exempt from taking the GACE Basic Skills test! This can save you time and money in the certification process.
Once you pass all testing requirements, school counselors in Georgia are certified to work with grades K-12, though the role looks very different depending on the school level.
Best Study Guide for the GACE: If you’re preparing for the GACE and need a comprehensive study resource, I highly recommend The Encyclopedia of Counseling. It’s a fantastic tool for studying counseling concepts and test strategies.
The Reality of Being an Elementary School Counselor
Now, with 16 years in education and an Ed.S in School Counseling on the horizon, I can say that being a school counselor is both rewarding and challenging.
I work at a Title I elementary school, where many of my students face challenges beyond the classroom—poverty, food insecurity, unstable home environments, and trauma. Some days, my office is filled with little ones who need a safe space to cry, while other days, I’m in classrooms teaching social skills or helping kids manage big emotions.
There are tough days. Days when I question if I’m making a difference. But then, there are moments that remind me exactly why I do this work—when a student finally opens up after weeks of silence or when a once-disruptive child becomes the one encouraging others.
If you’re curious about what it’s really like being a school counselor, I’ve written more about my experiences here:
What School Counselors Really Do
How I Support Students with Behavior Challenges
Helping Kids Understand and Express Their Feelings
One of my biggest focuses as an elementary school counselor is helping kids name and process their emotions. Many of the students I work with struggle to express what they’re feeling, which often leads to outbursts, shutting down, or acting out.
I love using books about feelings to help children understand their emotions in a way that’s engaging and relatable. If you’re a parent, teacher, or counselor looking for great books to help kids navigate their emotions, check out my curated list of books about feelings here:
Books About Feelings
Supporting Other School Counselors
One of the things I love most about my career is the community of school counselors I’ve met along the way. Being a counselor can feel isolating—we’re often the only one in our building doing this work. That’s why I’m proud to be an administrator of the Elementary School Counselor’s Group on Facebook, a space where we share ideas, resources, and support one another.
If you’re a school counselor (or an aspiring one), come join us! You don’t have to navigate this career alone.
More Than a School Counselor
Over the years, my career has evolved beyond school walls. I’ve always been passionate about supporting children and families, and that passion led me to become a postpartum doula. The transition to motherhood can be overwhelming, and just like I support my students, I now support new moms through one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
If you’re interested in seeing more of what I do, follow me on Instagram at @farmdoulacounselor, where I share insights on school counseling, motherhood, and doula life.
Shop My Favorite Resources for Kids & Parents
Over the years, I’ve found some incredible books and resources that help kids build confidence, develop social skills, and manage their emotions. I’ve put together a collection of must-have books and tools in my Amazon storefront—a one-stop shop for parents, educators, and counselors looking for high-quality resources.
Shop my Amazon favorites here: amazon.com/shop/arethoseyourkids
Final Thoughts
Becoming a school counselor wasn’t just a career choice—it was a calling. It started with a book about a troubled boy and a compassionate counselor, and it has led me to a career filled with purpose. Every day, I get to be the person I once read about—the one who listens, encourages, and helps children see their worth.
If you’re thinking about becoming a school counselor, know this: the road isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. And if you ever need advice, support, or just someone to remind you why you started, I’m here.
Have questions about school counseling? Drop them in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
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