counsel students with feelings about their sexual orientation and gender identity as well as students’ feelings about the identity of others in an accepting and nonjudgmental manner.School counselors are committed to the affirmation of all youth regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression and work to create safe and affirming schools. School counselors provide support to LGBTQ students to promote academic achievement and social/emotional development. School counselors recognize the profound harm intrinsic to therapies alleging to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity (SAMHSA, 2015) and advocate to protect LGBTQ students from this harm. It is not the school counselor’s role to attempt to change a student’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The school counselor works with all students through the stages of identity development and understands this may be more difficult for LGBTQ youth. ASCA-Recognized School Counselor Preparation Program.ASCA Professional Standards & Competencies.ASCA Student Standards: Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success.ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors.