大象传媒

Whilst at primary or secondary school, your child may have been referred to a school counsellor.

That referral may have come from their form teacher, a pastoral care teacher, or sometimes from the child themselves. To help you understand the role of a school counsellor, and how they may help your child, we spoke to school counsellor Catherine Mantack鈥

What is a school counsellor?

Some 鈥 but not all 鈥 schools have a counsellor who is a qualified professional employed by schools to work with pupils who are experiencing issues that are impacting their emotional or psychological wellbeing. School counsellors provide a safe space for pupils to discuss any experiences or challenges in their life. Most counselling is offered one-to-one, and is confidential. Counselling is distinct from pastoral care and the role of the SENCO within the school setting.

What can a counsellor do to help my child?

A school counsellor can help your child understand their feelings, and teach them healthy coping skills to deal with emotional challenges such as stress and anxiety. They can also work on improving your child鈥檚 self esteem and self confidence. During moments of crisis or distress, a school counsellor can provide much-needed intervention and emotional guidance. A school counsellor can also help identify additional needs or barriers to learning, and work with teachers to put appropriate support in place.

Counselling can also help:
鈥 Children who are experiencing bullying or bereavement 鈥 Support young people experiencing relationship difficulties with family or friends 鈥 Help young people manage anger and other strong emotions 鈥 Assess whether SEN support is also needed

Should I be worried if a school counsellor is involved?

Catherine Mantack says that as a parent or carer it鈥檚 natural to be worried but to try and see support from a school counsellor as a positive step. If your child has accepted support from a counsellor then they鈥檝e acknowledged there鈥檚 an issue they鈥檙e not able to tackle alone, which shows great strength and courage.

A school counsellor will want to work in tandem with your child鈥檚 teachers and you as parents or guardians to support your child in the best way possible.

There are helplines, textlines and online services available that you and your child can look at together:

  • 鈥 offers support to anyone under 25
  • 鈥 can help families locate local support services
  • 鈥 a peer support forum for young people, which is moderated and anonymous
  • 大象传媒 Mental Wellbeing content, the 大象传媒 Headroom campaign, and the 大象传媒 Action Line each have links to lots of helpful content and services.

Watch our film for guidance on what to do while waiting to access Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

The 大象传媒 has more information in this mental wellbeing collection as well as links to useful organisations on the 大象传媒 Action Line.

Horizontal purple bar

More from 大象传媒 Bitesize Parents' Toolkit鈥

Parents' Toolkit

Fun activities, real-life stories, wellbeing support and loads of helpful advice - we're here for you and your child.

Parents' Toolkit

How to support and equip parents to talk about their child鈥檚 mental health

Consultant child educational psychologist Laverne Antrobus has tips to support parents in talking about mental health with a child.

How to support and equip parents to talk about their child鈥檚 mental health

What is a school SENCO?

Parents' Toolkit guide to the role of a Special Educational Needs Coordinator, what questions to ask a SENCO, and how can a SENCo help my child?

What is a school SENCO?

Five tips to support the after-school 鈥榤eltdown鈥

Expert advice on how to cope with after-school restraint collapse as a parent.

Five tips to support the after-school 鈥榤eltdown鈥

Mental health first aid kit for parents: Who to ask and what to do

Worried that your child needs help with their mental health? Here's how you can access professional help and support your child while you wait.

Mental health first aid kit for parents: Who to ask and what to do

School anxiety and refusal: How to help your child get through tough times

Tips to help parents understand emotionally-based school avoidance and offer support to their child.

School anxiety and refusal: How to help your child get through tough times