There are so many ways people need and can be assisted to achieve a more satisfying life. First and foremost is understanding that person’s idea of what they think they need. That is accomplished in an assessment.
School guidance counselors have access to students records, those include information on behavior and grades. When they have contact with the child they evaluate how what the paper works says lines up with what they observe. Depending on what the child comes to them for, the guidance counselor works with them to help them figure out an acceptable way to achieve their desire. Sometimes they suggest referrals for therapy counseling.
Very seldom is the aim to just tell the child what to do and how to do it.
Therapy counseling works more in depth with the client. After long and short term goals are collaboratively established. Clients are usually seen weekly. When goals are reached, new goals can be established if needed.
Therapist should not tell clients, this is what is wrong with you, and this is how you can fix it. By talking about their lives, they are lead into an understanding of what they want and why they are not getting it. Coping skills are learned, alternative perspective are discussed. Evaluations of their efforts, and many other things different individuals might need are explored. The aim is to get the child to understand himself and to make good choices, and to be able to change them when they don’t work. Self reflection, evaluation, and planning.
In first grade it is taught as plan. do, review, grow.