How to be an effective counsellor in a virtual or hybrid school

One of the biggest challenges I have faced as a school counsellor in a virtual and hybrid setting is explaining what I do and getting support for it.

Last year, I took the time to create a plan, gather data and explain how crucial my role is to all stakeholders in the school. Doing this led to the hiring of another counsellor to help with workload, which gave me the chance to take on a leadership role.

Drawing on that experience, I’ve collated some practical strategies and techniques tailored to the unique challenges of virtual and hybrid educational settings.

1. Effective communication in virtual spaces

Active listening in digital conversations

Embrace active-listening techniques, even in online interactions, in order to grasp the perspectives and concerns of students, parents, teachers and administrators. Understanding their experiences enables you to effectively convey their needs and successes to relevant stakeholders. Take notes digitally and consider sharing them via Google Chat.

Transparent communication via digital platforms

Use digital platforms to establish trust through clear and transparent communication about your role, available services and confidentiality policies. Setting clear expectations from the outset fosters trust and facilitates productive partnerships.

Update and post to the virtual counselling office on Canvas, so as to be present and visible, even online. It’s always a little harder to show tone in digital communication, so opt for videoconferences whenever possible.

2. Collaboration and partnership in virtual and hybrid models

Adapting collaborative problem-solving to digital platforms

View challenging conversations as opportunities for joint problem-solving, adapting collaborative approaches to virtual and hybrid environments. We have lots of digital tools that enable this, including Canvas, Nearpod and Microsoft Teams.

Advocating for student needs in virtual settings

Embrace the challenge of addressing needs in virtual settings, where face-to-face interactions are limited. Understand that collaborating with stakeholders in a virtual setting can take time and effort to coordinate, as you must consider location and time differences, as well as varying levels of technological prowess.

3. Proactivity in the digital landscape

Anticipating and addressing digital challenges

Identify potential issues or challenges that may arise in virtual and hybrid environments, taking pre-emptive measures to address them. Stay informed about digital tools, resources and support services, in order to provide timely assistance to stakeholders. One of the main challenges in a virtual or hybrid setting is ensuring engagement, so be present and persistent in your outreach. In my experience, students (and sometimes parents) will try to hide whenever possible, so reaching out directly is the best approach.

Digital outreach and engagement strategies

Take the initiative to reach out to students, parents and staff through various digital channels, persisting in engagement efforts despite online barriers. Use newsletters, virtual workshops and individual online meetings to foster meaningful connections and partnerships. I have found the best way to get engagement online is to be present to all stakeholders – often unavoidably so.

Embracing professional development

Actively seek opportunities for professional development and learning, both in person and online. Advocate for your own growth by exploring qualifications, online courses and relevant training opportunities.

4. Providing data and evidence-based practice in digital spaces

Using digital data analysis

Use digital tools to collect and analyse data – despite the challenges of a dispersed student population – then employ it to inform counselling practice and decision-making processes. I use surveys and spreadsheets to collect as much data as I can throughout the year. Ensure that data presented to stakeholders is clear and concise, and accurately reflects trends.

Staying informed in a dynamic digital environment

Stay abreast of current research and trends in school counselling, ensuring that your practice remains evidence-based and responsive to student needs. This can involve creating virtual spaces, like our virtual counselling offices on Canvas, to provide access to counselling resources. We update these regularly.

Using data for advocacy

Use data to advocate for student needs and the importance of school counselling services. Present data-driven arguments to stakeholders, highlighting the impact of counselling interventions and the value of your role in the school community – virtual or otherwise.