The sheer variety of different problems that a school counselor faces on a daily basis requires an open-minded attitude.
Guidance counselor Robert Derrett told the Tonawanda News that he sees students who have a wide range of issues to discuss, including teen pregnancy, self-mutilation, domestic abuse and depression.
He emphasised that the boundary between guidance counseling and general counseling is blurring, adding: "This has got to be the busiest job I've ever experienced."
However, Mr Derrit said that even though the job is difficult, he is inspired by the ability to make a difference.
"There are quite a few kids who wouldn't be where they are today if it weren't for … the counseling department," he said.
A master's degree is usually required to become a counselor, though some states may accept a bachelor's degree instead.
According to the Department of Labor (DOL), counselor education programs typically focus on human growth and development, relationships, group work, social and cultural diversity, career development, assessment, research and professional identity.
The latest DOL statistics indicate that there are around 260,000 educational, vocational and school counselors in the US, with the median earnings standing at $47,530 - though this could vary depending on location, experience and employer.
