What is a likely outcome if a school counselor's judgment about a student is disclosed to that student?

Disclosing a school counselor's judgment about a student can lead to a breakdown of the therapeutic alliance that is essential in a counseling relationship. When a student receives potentially negative or critical feedback, especially if it feels unwarranted or overly harsh, it can create feelings of vulnerability, defensiveness, or shame. These emotional reactions might cause the student to withdraw from counseling services, as they may perceive the relationship as unsafe or damaging to their self-esteem.

The outcome of withdrawal is particularly concerning in a school environment, where the counselor's role is to provide support and guidance. If a student feels exposed by the disclosure of a counselor's judgment, they may opt to disengage from the therapeutic process altogether, fearing further criticism or feeling misunderstood. In this context, the chance for positive development through the counselor's support diminishes significantly.

In contrast, outcomes such as improved trust or increased engagement typically stem from open and constructive communication rather than an outright disclosure of judgments, which can often lead to misinterpretations or feelings of distrust.