Middle School Counselors: Training, Stress and Wellness Practices

This dissertation explored middle school counselors’ stress, training, and wellness/="/">practices. Although counselors are vital in fostering student development, their roles often involve high caseloads, administrative tasks, and role ambiguity—contributing to elevated stress levels. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study examined the daily stressors counselors face, their preparedness for managing wellness, and the self-care strategies they employ./="/">/="/">Findings revealed a significant gap between the ideal role of school counselors, as outlined by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and the realities of their day- to-day responsibilities. While ASCA promotes comprehensive student advocacy and counselor wellness, many counselors are not adequately trained or supported to meet these expectations./="/">/="/">The research highlighted the importance of intentional wellness practices—such as mindfulness, physical activity, joy, social connection, and self-compassion—in reducing stress and improving job satisfaction. These practices not only benefit counselors personally but also enhance their ability to model wellness for students and staff./="/">/="/">The study advocates for integrating wellness education into counselor preparation programs to foster self-awareness and equip future counselors with effective stress-management strategies. It also calls for systemic changes, including clearer role definitions and alignment between job duties and professional standards./="/">/="/">By addressing both training and structural issues, schools can better support counselors’ well-being, reduce burnout, and promote a healthier school climate. This research offers valuable insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers seeking to create supportive environments that enable counselors to thrive.