Originally published in 1994, the main function of this book was to provide to counsellors, trainee counsellors and teachers with pastoral care responsibilities, the knowledge and skills to support effective counselling. By drawing on their extensive pastoral and counselling experience gained in education and counselling, the authors produced a work which will also appeal to others involved in the care and protection of children and young people – including educational social workers, nurses, the police and educational psychologists.

The authors integrate the development of counselling skills with a reflective stance on issues, approaches and ideas. They seek thus to increase the readers' capacity to work sensitively and imaginatively with their clients, the sometimes troubled children and young people in primary and secondary schools.