Pilot randomised controlled trial of school-based humanistic counselling for psychological distress in young people: Outcomes and methodological reflections

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to replicate and extend a pilot evaluation of the effectiveness of school-based humanistic counselling for psychological distress in young people. Method: Data were available on 32 young people who were randomised to either school-based humanistic counselling or waiting list conditions for one school term. The primary outcome measure was of psychological distress using the Young Person's CORE (YP-CORE), at six and 12 weeks post-assessment. Secondary measures at these time-points were of psychological difficulties, self-esteem, levels of depression, and attainment of personal goals; with longitudinal evaluation of outcomes at six months post-assessment. Results: On the primary outcome measure, participants who received counselling were significantly less distressed at six weeks than those in the waiting list group but not at 12 weeks, with effect sizes (Cohen's d) of 0.59 and 0.39 respectively. Reductions in psychological distress were maintained at follow-up. Discussion: Although the present findings, in isolation, are equivocal, they contribute to a body of evidence that supports the effectiveness of school-based humanistic counselling. However, the principal lesson learnt from this study was the need for rigorous training of researchers, counsellors and pastoral care teachers to ensure adherence to protocols.

Keywords:

• randomised controlled trial
• counselling
• children and young people
• outcome measures

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joanne Pybis

Biographies

Jo Pybis is Research Facilitator at BACP. She project managed the research aspect of this trial and also manages BACP's counselling children and young people practice research network (CYP PRN).

Mick Cooper

Mick Cooper is a Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton, London; and a practising counselling psychologist and existential psychotherapist. Mick has also led a range of research studies exploring the process and outcomes of humanistic counselling with young people, and is author of Essential Research Findings in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Sage, 2008).

Andy Hill

Andy Hill is an accredited counsellor, an experienced counsellor trainer and is Head of Research at BACP.

Karen Cromarty

Karen Cromarty works for the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and is their Senior Lead Advisor. In her role Karen works strategically with opinion formers, academics, governments, and service managers in all sectors, across the UK, to try to ensure that counselling services for children and young people are accessible, effective and based upon the most recent research.

Ruth Levesley

Ruth Levesley is the Chief Executive of Relate Birmingham, and set up their young people's counselling service both in the centre and in schools.

Jamie Murdoch

Jamie Murdoch is the national lead for Children and Young People Services at Relate and has worked with Relate for the last seven years. Jamie has managed and developed services for young people for the last 12 years and is passionate about providing services that help young people to overcome the difficulties that they may face in order to achieve their potential.

Nick Turner

Nick Turner is Interim Head of Clinical Services at Relate. Under his leadership the Relate Institute has developed a curriculum for relationship and family counsellors and sex therapists in partnership with Doncaster College and Hull University.