Counselling young people: Counsellors' perspectives on ‘what works’ – An exploratory study

Abstract

Aim: Counsellors who work with young people in a range of contexts know that they are not engaging with ‘mini-adults’. The issues young people bring to counselling are often complex, challenging and wide-ranging, as adolescents are experiencing times of turbulence and change in their physical, emotional, social and psychological development. This paper focuses on a research project undertaken with five counsellors who work with young people, and asks the question: ‘What works?’ Method: The research project is an in-depth qualitative study into the counsellor's experience of counselling young people, using a narrative approach. Findings: Four key shared themes emerged: the significance of ‘safety’ in the relationship; building the therapeutic alliance; flexibility and integration relating to theoretical orientation; and the use of creativity. Outcomes: This paper offers counsellors the opportunity to reflect on ‘what works’ and consider the professional knowledge, which underpins their own counselling practice with young people.

Keywords:

• counselling
• young people
• narrative research
• counsellor perception

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the five counsellors who participated so willingly in the study. I would also like to thank the counselling agency in South East London which, sadly, no longer exists due to funding cuts. Finally, special thanks to Dr Hazel Reid, my ‘critical friend’ who supported me through the research process.