Which of the following is a crucial skill for school counselors when working with students?

Effective communication and active listening are indeed crucial skills for school counselors when working with students. These skills enable counselors to build strong, trusting relationships with students, creating a safe environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Active listening involves fully concentrating on what the student is saying, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully, which helps in identifying issues and providing appropriate support.

Through effective communication, counselors can convey empathy, understanding, and validation, which are essential for fostering a supportive atmosphere. This connection allows counselors to better understand students' needs, facilitate discussions about personal and academic challenges, and guide them in experiencing emotional growth.

While expertise in academic subject areas, administrative skills, and program development are valuable in certain contexts, they do not have the same direct impact on a counselor's ability to engage with students on a personal level. The primary role of school counselors is to support students' social and emotional development, making communication and listening skills foundational to their effectiveness.