Young People's engagement in school counselling

Fear of stigmatisation is the most common explanation for young people’s reluctance to engage in counselling. Young people have limited knowledge of what counselling involves and benefit from clear guidance and explanation. Essential are practical arrangements that robustly manage confidentiality and privacy, diminishing potential for stigmatisation. Young people are keen observers and evaluators and are best served when counsellors who engage with them are able to demonstrate their personal and organisational reliability, integrity and trustworthiness.

Counselling & Psychotherapy Research (BACP, February, 2012)