When a counselor shares personal regrets with a student regarding college decisions, how should this typically be viewed?

When a counselor shares personal regrets regarding their own college decisions, it is generally viewed as inappropriate as it shifts the focus away from the student and onto the counselor's personal experiences. The primary role of a counselor is to support and guide students in their own educational and personal journeys without making them feel burdened by the counselor's past decisions or emotions.

By sharing personal regrets, the counselor risks diverting attention from the student's needs, which can undermine the effectiveness of the counseling relationship. The purpose of counseling is to create a space where students feel safe and understood, allowing them to explore their thoughts and feelings without the added weight of the counselor's personal history. Such a shift can inadvertently make students feel responsible for the counselor’s feelings, leading to discomfort or confusion in the therapeutic relationship. It's essential for counselors to maintain a professional boundary and prioritize the student's experiences and viewpoints instead.