An integrative ecosystemic model for counselling children and young people
Practitioners counselling children and young people often draw from multiple therapeutic modalities without a unifying framework. Ecosystemic Counselling with Children and Young People presents a model that synthesises systemic, person-centred, cognitive-behavioural, and psychodynamic theories into one coherent approach. Rather than treating these modalities as separate tools, the ecosystemic model connects a child's psychological health with their broader environment, offering a unified theory of change grounded in established counselling language and clinical practice.
Each chapter applies ecosystemic theory directly to practice through detailed case vignettes and worked examples. Coverage addresses presenting issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, behaviour difficulties, self-harm, and suicidality, while exploring how family dynamics, school environments, and social identity shape mental health outcomes. The book also examines tailored approaches for neurodiverse clients, strategies for effective collaboration with partner agencies, and techniques for counsellor self-awareness and personal development.
Written for qualified therapists, mental health professionals, and trainee counsellors and psychotherapists, this book provides a structured integrative framework rooted in master's-level counselling education. Practitioners working with or training to support children and young people will find a coherent clinical model they can apply directly across diverse therapeutic settings and professional contexts.
