What is the most effective response from a counselor to identify the core problem of a student who feels embarrassed after an incident at school?

The most effective response from a counselor in this scenario is one that reflects empathy and validation of the student's feelings. By acknowledging the student's emotions, the counselor creates an environment where the student feels heard and understood. Stating "You sound upset. Sounds to me like you're saying you're embarrassed and feel bad about what happened" not only highlights the counselor's active listening skills but also encourages the student to explore their feelings more deeply.

This approach is beneficial because it allows the student to articulate their thoughts and emotions further, fostering a dialogue that can lead to a more profound understanding of the incident and its impact on them. It empowers the student to express their feelings of embarrassment and explore the underlying reasons behind those emotions, which can help the counselor identify the core problem more effectively.

Responses that focus on advising the student to apologize or make assumptions about perceptions do not facilitate this level of exploration and could potentially invalidate the student's feelings. It is crucial for counselors to prioritize emotional understanding over directive responses, especially in situations where a student is experiencing embarrassment or shame.