Breaking Bad News in Counseling: Applying the PEWTER Model in the School Setting

Abstract

Breaking bad news is a stressful experience for counselors and clients. In this article, the PEWTER (Prepare, Evaluate, Warning, Telling, Emotional Response, Regrouping) model (Nardi & Keefe-Cooperman, 2006 Nardi, T. J. and Keefe-Cooperman, K. 2006. Communicating bad news: A model for emergency mental health helpers. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 8: 203–207. [PubMed] , [Google Scholar])is used as a guide to facilitate the process of a difficult conversation and promote client growth in a school setting. In this structured creative model, communication skills are grouped in a systemic and progressive manner that can be individualized to meet client and situational needs. PEWTER addresses the multiple factors and layers that affect the counseling situation when giving life-changing news. A case example is provided that outlines each phase of the PEWTER model.