What is the purpose of a short summation at the end of a counseling session?

A short summation at the end of a counseling session serves a vital role in enhancing student comprehension and retention of the material discussed. It allows the counselor to reinforce key points, clarify any confusion, and ensure that the student leaves with a clear understanding of what was covered. By summarizing the main ideas and conclusions reached during the session, the counselor enables the student to consolidate their learning, making it easier for them to apply the information in the future. This practice not only aids in comprehension but also strengthens the student-counselor relationship by demonstrating that the counselor is engaged and supportive of the student's learning process.

In contrast, introducing new topics would divert attention from the current session’s focus, potentially leading to confusion rather than clarity. Confusing the student is counterproductive to the session's goals, and while preparing for the next session is important, it is secondary to ensuring the current session's information is understood and retained. The primary purpose of the summation is to facilitate immediate understanding, making it a cornerstone of effective counseling.