School counselor preparedness for working with students &chronic illness: insights and applications from a service learning experience in Southern Africa

Abstract

Background. The American School Counselor Association suggests school counselors be prepared to deal with myriad forms of trauma in the school community. Included among these forms of trauma are students and families dealing with chronic illness. Despite this suggestion coupled with the increased rates of chronic illness among children, many school counselors may not be prepared to handle such issues due to lack of training, professional development, or culturally diverse experiences. Purpose, method. The author reviews the literature on chronic illness and school counselor preparation. To further explore this area of need, the author participated in a service learning experience in southern Africa. Results, discussion. The information and experiences are explored with discussion of insights and applications that can be utilized to address school counseling needs related to working with students and chronic illness in the United States.