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Pre-conference workshop
BACP Research Conference- Liverpool 2011
Pre-conference workshop abstract
Professor Michael Barkham, Andy Hill and Counselling in Schools Practice Research Network members
Counselling in Schools Practice Research Network
Supported by the BACP Research Department a Practice Research Network is being developed in this key area. It is estimated that, at any one time in the UK, 10% of children under 16 years of age have a clinically diagnosed mental health disorder (Green, McGinnity, Meltzer,Ford, & Goodman, 2004) and that mental health problems among young people are becoming increasingly prevalent (Collishaw, Maughan, Goodman, & Pickles, 2004). There have been a variety of responses to this: the Welsh Assembly Government has implemented a national strategy for schools counselling; the UK parliament has taken the decision to roll-out IAPT services in England for children and young people. Counselling and psychological therapy for this age group has become a priority area for policy-makers, researchers and practitioners alike.
The Counselling in Schools Practice Research Network (CSPRN) aims to bring together practitioners, researchers and trainers to engage in research and evaluation in order to develop the evidence base for school-based counselling. This in turn will provide opportunities to improve the effectiveness and acceptability of counselling interventions and to impact on policy decisions. The workshop will be introduced by Professor Michael Barkham, a leading expert on practice-based research, followed by various members of CSPRN presenting from their own perspective (i.e. researcher, practitioner etc.). There will also be ample opportunities for group-discussion and audience participation.