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An investigation into the experiences of school counsellors working with adolescents

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 February 2021

Cathy G. Bettman  and
Alexander Digiacomo
Cathy G. Bettman*
Affiliation:
Department of Counselling, The University of Notre Dame
Alexander Digiacomo
Affiliation:
Department of Counselling, The University of Notre Dame
*
*Address for correspondence: Cathy G. Bettman, Department of Counselling, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney NSW 2007, Australia. Email: cbettman@bigpond.com
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Abstract

Currently, Australia’s school counsellors are increasingly being called upon to respond to adolescent mental health needs. Through semistructured interviews with seven school counsellors working with adolescents, this qualitative study aimed to capture the lived experiences of this group of practitioners. By adopting a phenomenological approach and using thematic analysis, this study provides insight into their profession: the current ambiguity surrounding their role; the opportunities and obstacles they face; as well as the often-present tension between stakeholders including parents, other school staff and external agencies. The findings of this study indicate that school counsellors are challenged by the need to be advocates not only for their students but also for themselves and their roles within the school context.

Keywords

adolescenceadvocacymental healthqualitativeschool counsellor

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Articles
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Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools , Volume 32 , Issue 1 , June 2022 , pp. 82 - 96
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© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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