Counselling marginalised young people: A qualitative analysis of young homeless people's views of counselling

Abstract

Aims: This study explored young homeless people's views of counselling, with a view to considering how the counselling profession can better meet their needs. Method: A small scale qualitative research project was undertaken in two residential projects for young homeless people. Data was gathered through focus groups and then analysed using grounded theory. Findings: The study revealed a lack of trust in counsellors and counselling, as well as a dislike of the counselling process. Implications for practice: Some suggestions for how best to work with this particularly marginalised client group are discussed. These include ways of making counselling more engaging, raising the profile of the counsellor in the young person's environment and having an awareness of the needs specific to at-risk young people.

Keywords:

• Counselling
• homeless
• psychotherapy
• young people
• youth

Acknowledgements

With thanks to Belinda Harris (University of Nottingham) for her support as dissertation supervisor.

Notes

1. Gillick v West Norfolk and Wisbech Health Authority [1986] AC112, [1985] 3 All ER 402, HL.