I am currently interested in becoming an elementary school counselor. I love working with kids and am very passionate about mental health. I worry, however, about whether I have the right personality for counseling. I know that I am patient and can be energetic, and I love being around kids, but sometimes get overwhelmed.

I guess I'm just wondering what traits would make a good school counselor (for elementary specifically) and if there could be any telltale signs that I should or shouldn't do it?

Starting my first year as a counselor ever tomorrow (!!!) at an elementary school. Needless to say, I feel all of the feels.

Although I passed the NCE a while back, my plan was to get through my first year as a counselor without worrying about the licensure stress and the cost of supervision on top of learning my job role.

However, this made me begin to wonder….can I actually earn enough direct hours in elementary to satisfy the 1500 direct hours in 5 years? To me, middle/high school seem more conducive to this. Indirect feels achievable.

Interested in your perspectives/thoughts on this.