THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR’S CORNER: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING IN SUPPORTING STUDENTS FACING TRAUMA
Author: Dr. Joel Ontiveros
About the Author: Dr. Joel Ontiveros serves as an Assistant Part-Time Professor at the School of Counseling, Occupational Therapy, and Education (SCOE), specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis, School Psychology, and Educational Counseling. In addition, he functions as a Middle School Counselor at Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School. His research investigates the impact of restorative practices on disciplinary incidents among middle school students, as well as the fields of Social-Emotional Learning and trauma-informed care. Dr. Ontiveros may be reached at [email protected].
Abstract: Trauma-informed practices (TIP) and social-emotional learning (SEL) are essential frameworks for supporting students affected by trauma, ensuring that schools foster safe, nurturing, and equitable learning environments. Research indicates that approximately 25% of children in the U.S. experience at least one traumatic event by age 16, significantly impacting their emotional well-being and academic performance. This paper explores the intersection of TIP and SEL, emphasizing their role in helping educators recognize trauma responses, build trusting relationships, and cultivate resilience in students. SEL equips students with the skills to regulate emotions, develop empathy, and build strong relationships, while also empowering educators with strategies to create inclusive, supportive classrooms. Furthermore, SEL promotes systemic equity by fostering collaboration among educators, families, and communities. By integrating TIP and SEL, schools can become spaces of healing and growth, ensuring that all students—regardless of their experiences—have the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Keywords: Trauma-Informed Practices (TIP), Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Student Well-Being, Emotional Resilience, Educational Equity, Trauma and Learning
Cite: Ontiveros, J. (2025). The School Counselor’s Corner: The Role of Social Emotional Learning in Supporting Students Facing Trauma. Language Bridge Academic Journal, 1(1), 18-20. https://doi.org/10.63184/950624