Children and Counselling

Originally published in 1992, this book presents aspects of children and counselling which are of great importance but (at the time of original publication) had received little attention on courses and in practice. The underlying theme is respect for and attention to the whole, individual child, within the context of relationships (including that with the counsellor). ‘Children’ and ‘counselling’ are interpreted broadly, with relevance for students and practitioners within the social, health and medical, educational and voluntary counselling services.

The book introduces the idea of a ‘childist’ approach to counselling, followed by some ideas of counselling and the difficult concept of empathy. Privacy, silence and spiritual aspects of children and counselling are explored. Four means of communication – myth, story, art and music are presented. The book ends with a vignette of counselling in action.

Material is drawn from the experience of the author and representatives of several professions, and such literature as autobiography, writing for and by children and professional text from such disciplines as counselling, education, history, nursing, philosophy, psychology and social work.