How can a school counselor best support a student struggling with peer relationships?

Supporting a student struggling with peer relationships requires an approach that fosters their ability to interact successfully with peers. Facilitating social skills training is effective because it helps students develop essential interpersonal skills, such as communication, empathy, conflict resolution, and the ability to read social cues. These skills are vital for building and maintaining friendships, increasing their confidence in social settings, and enabling them to navigate complex social dynamics.

Social skills training often involves structured activities that allow students to practice these skills in a safe environment, under the guidance of the counselor. These interactions not only enhance the student's abilities but also provide them with strategies to apply in real-life situations, ultimately improving their peer relationships.

In contrast, ignoring the situation does not provide any support or solutions to the student, and promoting solitary activities or discouraging group participation may further isolate the student and prevent them from developing essential social connections. These approaches can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and are counterproductive to fostering positive peer interactions. By focusing on skill development, the counselor can empower the student to build healthier relationships.