Guidance Officer and Counsellor Perspectives on Using Expressive Therapies to Support Students

Abstract

This study investigated guidance officer and school counsellor perceptions of the effectiveness of expressive therapies as used in Australian schools. The question was posed as to whether the use of expressive therapies — also know as emotional release counselling (ERC) — can be effective in promoting positive emotional and behavioural outcomes for student clients. The literature and the results of this study point to the overall effectiveness of ERC, with significant increases noted in positive emotional and behavioural outcomes and in motivation to attend counselling. Improvements, after the implementation of ERC, were also apparent in the counsellor and client relationship.