Bukola Fadahunsi

Skills and Experience as a Guidance Counsellor

I am a dedicated and compassionate Guidance Counsellor with professional experience supporting secondary school students in their academic, personal, social, emotional, and career development. In my current role as a School Counsellor at Lead British International School, I work with students from diverse backgrounds, including Nigerian and international students, providing a safe, confidential, and supportive environment where students can discuss their concerns and develop the skills needed to thrive academically and personally.

My counselling practice is student-centred, with a strong emphasis on active listening, empathy, confidentiality, emotional support, and the development of positive relationships. I provide individual counselling to students experiencing a range of concerns, including adjustment difficulties, emotional challenges, peer relationships, behavioural concerns, academic difficulties, self-esteem issues, and challenges associated with transitioning into a new school environment. I also provide orientation and settling-in support for new students, helping them become comfortable within the school community and understand the expectations, values, and culture of the school.

A significant part of my experience is in academic and career guidance. I support students in making informed decisions about subject selection, academic pathways, university courses, and future careers. I have worked with senior students and their parents to explore appropriate international university options and courses based on students’ interests, abilities, aspirations, and academic profiles. I believe effective career counselling should go beyond simply recommending careers; it should help students understand themselves, recognise their strengths, explore opportunities, and make realistic and informed decisions about their future.

I also have experience administering and interpreting psychological and career-related assessment tools within my professional scope. I use assessment information, alongside individual discussions and observations, to gain a better understanding of students’ interests, abilities, strengths, and areas requiring support. I communicate assessment outcomes professionally to students and parents, ensuring that interpretations are presented sensitively and constructively.

My role also involves working closely with parents, teachers, school leaders, and other members of the pastoral team. I believe effective student support requires collaboration, and I regularly contribute professional counselling perspectives when discussing students’ academic progress, wellbeing, behaviour, relationships, and general development. I am particularly attentive to safeguarding and understand the importance of recognising concerns that may affect a student's safety, wellbeing, or ability to learn.

Beyond individual counselling, I have experience planning and delivering group guidance programmes, student workshops, orientation sessions, assemblies, and educational presentations. These have covered areas such as mental health and wellbeing, study habits, self-discipline, resilience, leadership, emotional intelligence, bullying prevention, subject choices, career development, healthy relationships, and personal responsibility. I aim to make counselling programmes engaging and age-appropriate by incorporating practical activities, discussions, real-life examples, and reflective exercises.

I have continued to strengthen my professional knowledge through relevant training and professional development. My professional development includes British Council Partner Schools training in Safeguarding and Leadership Development, participation in British Council counselling-related workshops, and ongoing British Council Agent and Counsellor training. I also hold professional registration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

My key strengths include empathy, active listening, communication, student advocacy, relationship building, career guidance, problem-solving, safeguarding awareness, confidentiality, assessment interpretation, workshop facilitation, and collaboration with parents and school staff. I am committed to creating an inclusive counselling environment where every student feels heard, valued, supported, and empowered to reach their potential.

Overall, my experience as a Guidance Counsellor has strengthened my ability to combine professional counselling principles with practical school-based support. I am passionate about helping young people develop confidence, emotional resilience, academic direction, and the personal skills necessary to become responsible, successful, and well-rounded individuals.