Counselling and career guidance services in a small state : Cyprus

Abstract

The present study attempts to define Counselling and emphasises the demanding needs of our world for provision of adequate counselling services. It refers to the characteristics that counsellors should possess in order to be effective in their job, as well as in school counselling, and the school counsellor's role. The study focuses on the Counselling and Career Guidance Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture in a small state, Cyprus. It analyses the organisational structure, and how the services operate within the school system. Special emphasis is placed on the development of the Services over the years, as well as the Counsellor's role. Statistical information is provided about the assistance offered by the counsellors. Finally, future developments of the Counselling and Career Guidance Services in Cyprus are discussed in accordance with some suggestions for further expansion of the Services.