What do Educational Psychologist do?

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Educational Psychologists play a unique role and make a useful contribution to schools and the lives of children, young people and families. With a knowledge of psychology and child development, Educational Psychologists promote the development, learning and well-being of children and young people (0-25 years). The role of the Educational Psychologist is often seen as one that brings about change. In addition to generic Educational Psychology work, dependent on the skills base and experience of the Psychologist, more specialist work may be undertaken.

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I have over 19 years experience working closely with schools, children, young people and families in a range of settings. My own background is in teaching and I later trained in psychotherapy, which helps inform my work and understanding of complex mental health. As an Educational Psychologist, I work in a supportive way with schools to identify a child or young person's needs, and develop a plan of support. Assessments that I use cover a range of areas, from behaviour, emotional health and well-being to learning and attainment. My psychological reports can be used to support a request for an Education Health and Care Plan (statutory assessment).

  

How it works

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I work from a consultative model of service delivery, which is a collaborative, preventative, problem solving approach. This can include:

• Observation.

• Individual assessment.

• Information gathering and direct work with children, young people, school staff and parents/carers.

• Liaison with external agencies.

• Consultation with the service user most impacted.

This can directly support the SEND Code of Practice, which promotes the use of the 'assess, plan, do and review cycle'.

 

Supervision

 

I offer a unique approach to staff supervision and mentoring, drawing on my Educational Psychology and psychotherapeutic skills. This is suitable for all staff including DSLs, senior managers, teachers, teaching support staff and other professionals.  

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Therapeutic Work

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I am a specialist Educational Psychologist in the areas of mental health and well-being and have the skills and experience to work with a wide range of presenting problems. These can include; anxiety, panic disorder, depression (and low mood), self-harm, anger, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma (relational and developmental trauma) and obsessional compulsive disorder (OCD).

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I am experienced in delivering tailored group or individual therapeutic intervention to children and young people. These can be developed to meet individual mental health needs and/or the mental health and well-being needs of the school population.