In the early seventies, little thought was given to the role of the college counselor in independent schools. Often they were English teachers who wrote well and by default were asked to take on the daunting task of shepherding students through the process of choosing a college. As faculty, they had little training in the development of adolescents and often resorted to a "toughen up" attitude when confronted with an anxiety-ridden student. They did not discuss match, support or need. At the Stanley H. King Counseling Institute (MA), independent school administrators and faculty were encouraged to learn basic counseling skills in an effort to humanize their school environments. In this institute, a smaller retreat that would employ the skills necessary for success, specifically in college counseling in independent schools was formed. Nurtured by three seasoned educators Sarah Hecksher, Jake Dresden and Robin Mead, the retreat has become the Blackberry River Retreat, currently held at Mt. Holyoke College (MA) every January. The Stanley H. King Counseling Institute continues to provide an enriched forum for discussion of independent school issues and needs, and as its step-child, the Blackberry River Retreat, provides an invaluable resource for independent school college counselors. The Blackberry approach could be easily implemented into the structure of larger guidance offices in the public system for the only keys are time, patience and a willingness to listen.