School counselling has evolved over the years and can be beneficial in a number of
ways. For example, it can:
- Reduce the psychological distress that children and young people experience as a result of facing a range of challenges and difficulties
- Offer a dedicated and safe space to talk about difficulties independently and without judgment
- Help children and young people learn effective strategies and support them
- in becoming more resilient
- Help develop positive self-esteem, confidence, social skills and good
mental health - Improve engagement in learning
- Reduce the stigma around mental health
- Provide insight and guidance for school staff on supporting children and
young people - Facilitate an important link between school, families and other
specialist agencies.
There are many creative ways in which a school counsellor can enrich your school
community and add value beyond the core role of a one-to-one therapist. The list
of possible activities is long and could include giving assemblies, delivering
training, running supportive groups, providing a drop-in, educating parents, carers
and staff about wellbeing and mental health issues, and involvement in a
supportive capacity during critical incident events
Speaking to a school counsellor can be a transformative experience for children and young people. It can help them cope with the difficult circumstances they face in their lives – and to go on and flourish in the future.
But England is lagging behind in its provision of counselling in schools. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have government funded school counselling services. England does not. This means some schools have provision, others don’t.
School counselling is an easily accessible, non-stigmatising and effective form of early intervention for reducing psychological distress in children and young people.
A professionally trained school counsellor gives a young person a place that is focused 100% on their needs – a safe space to help them to understand and cope with what they’re going through.
Counselling has a positive effect on young people’s confidence, resilience, sense of self-worth, family relationships, friendships, school attendance and academic achievement
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