Practice-based evidence in school-based counselling

Aims: Counsellors are becoming commonplace within the support structures of secondary schools. To date, research findings from practice-based outcome studies suggest this is a positive move. There are, however, numerous limitations to this work, and this project aims to develop this existing body of literature. Method: Nine 13-15 year olds attending counselling in six school-based services participated in the project - one individual withdrew. A standardised self-report questionnaire (YP-CORE) was collected at four intervals: (1) the point of referral; (2) the onset of counselling; (3) the completion of counselling; and, (4) a two-month follow-up. The change indicated in each of these phases is examined and reported here. Additionally, YP-CORE was completed during each session. Findings: The YP-CORE indicates an improvement in the well-being of this small sample, while waiting for and attending therapy. Further examination of session-by-session data also highlights how pre- and post-outcome data should not necessarily be viewed as linear in nature. Discussion: This is a small-scale investigation and further work is needed in this area. It does, however, raise a number of issues regarding the complexity inherent in conducting outcome research that warrant further investigation. © 2011 Copyright British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.