Movies may entertain, but they can teach students valuable lessons at the same time, helping them learn to effectively address their own problems and life challenges. This article discusses the use of cinematherapy, selecting appropriate material, assigning that material with a therapeutic purpose and discussing the student's experience. (GCP)

When the role of the school counselors is not properly designed, school counselors find themselves being pulled in myriad directions, trying to meet the expectations of administrators, teachers, and co-workers. This article discusses the importance of clarifying the counselor role and communicating it to all involved parties. (GCP)

Discusses the value of poetry as a learning tool for school counselors to use to help students enhance their understanding of others. (GCP)

When parents are incarcerated, their children can become the unintended victims. The children can suffer trauma similar to that from a divorce or the death of a loved one. As the number of parents in prison increases, it's vital that school counselors learn how to help these children with their issues of loss, shame and anger. (GCP)

This article addresses how by helping students through life transitions--such as a new home, new sibling, or divorcing parents--school counselors can ensure that students are truly prepared academically and emotionally for life. (GCP)

This article shows how in Connecticut, making a solid connection with the state Department of Education has helped lead to well-developed, state-supported school counseling documents. Discusses how the latest efforts have resulted in two publications based on the National Standards for School Counseling Programs. (GCP)

Schools are sometimes the last to know when a child loses a parent. What some counselors and teachers may assume is misbehavior could actually be indications of grief. This article focuses on helping school counselors recognize some of the symptoms of childhood grief and what to do about them. (GCP)

With knowledge gained at the Arizona Counselors Academy, solid support from administrators and a well-developed manual, Tucson is an excellent example of a comprehensive competency-based guidance program. This case study examines how Tucson developed a new program and got buy-in from the powers that be. (GCP)

Proposes that helping students discover the cultural myths affecting their lives--and how much they buy into them--can go a long way toward improving students' self-esteem and self-worth. (GCP)

Regardless of whether it is cutting, burning or some other form of self-harm, self-injury is a serious problem requiring serious solutions. This article reviews the various types of self-harm, descriptions of self-mutilators, common myths about self-mutilation, and effective treatment methods. (GCP)

Successful grant writing can help school counselors capture excess money to fund projects and programs that the school budget might otherwise not allow. This article provides tips for developing grant proposals that increase the chances of garnering funds for special programs and projects. (GCP)

Every school has them--the "phantom" students. They are the ones hanging out in gangs, skipping school, dealing with rough home lives and flunking classes. And they usually need more help than others at fitting in. This article addresses how school counselors can help those who don't ask for--or want--help. (GCP)

Today, many young people desiring to serve their country are looking at military service with renewed interest. For some, the reserves may be the better answer than full-time military service or a great way to test the waters. (Author)

Adolescents are under tremendous pressure to conform and sometimes lack bonds with adults beyond their own immediate family. A weekend retreat with adolescent girls and senior women shows the power of intergenerational storytelling as a way to help children learn from their elders' experiences. (GCP)

Third grade through fifth grade can be a pivotal time for children. Peer relations become increasingly important as children begin to pull away from their parents' influence. Peer problems, such as bullying, teasing and social isolation, at this crucial time can have a particularly long-lasting impact, often leading to negative self-images and…