Having worked in primary and secondary schools in a range of roles, I worked closely with children and young people experiencing trauma, distress and other mental health concerns. Translating my counselling knowledge and experience into a practical format that supported students to engage appropriately with each other, resolve conflict, create connection and a sense of belonging and manage their emotions, were some of the ways that were helpful to students. I also offered support to teachers and other staff by sharing knowledge and practical strategies that they can use in the classroom.

School staff have always recognised the importance of establishing and maintaining a healthy connection with students whilst setting clear boundaries to prevent escalation of unwanted behaviours. However, in an ever-changing school environment, with more and more students presenting with mental health concerns and diagnoses, staff are eager to learn new ways to manage challenging behaviours and integrate some of the simple strategies and processes to continue to manage and support children and young people.

To support them in this role, I facilitate a range of workshops for school staff. These are designed to offer the following:

• Discover new and powerful ways to connect with individual students

• Build group rapport and create safe environments for students to engage and learn

• Learn how to support students to grow the skills in emotional regulation

• Foster a genuine growth mindset 

• Create healthy mind skills that reduce the risk of developing anxious and depressive thinking, and

• Promote a sense of engagement and belonging that are proven to reduce the risk of self-harm.