According to best practices, what should a school psychologist do if they develop personal feelings for a practicum student?

When a school psychologist develops personal feelings for a practicum student, it is crucial to prioritize the professional integrity of the supervisory relationship. Ending the supervisory relationship immediately is the best practice in this scenario because maintaining a clear boundary is essential to ensure that the educational and professional standards are upheld.

Personal feelings can complicate the dynamics of supervision, potentially leading to bias or an imbalance of the professional relationship. By choosing to end the supervisory relationship, the psychologist protects both their own professional integrity and the student's learning experience. This step also helps to prevent any conflicts of interest that could arise, as the focus should remain on the student's development and needs.

In this context, other options may not adequately address the seriousness of the situation. Discussing feelings with the student could lead to an uncomfortable environment and complicate the professional dynamic further. Ignoring the feelings is not advisable, as unresolved emotions could affect the supervision process. Consulting a colleague for advice may be a helpful step for personal reflection, but it does not directly address the immediate need to preserve an ethical supervisory relationship. Hence, terminating the supervisory relationship is the most proactive and responsible action to take.