Thank You School Counsellors and Psychologists

The last 18 months have been a really challenging period for psychologists. We are conscious that our school counsellors and psychologists have been keenly affected by having to work in isolation from the children, young people and school communities that are at the very heart of why you do your job.

We want you to know that we acknowledge the amazing work you are doing – we hear you; we see you; we value you!  Our school counsellors and school psychologists have done a phenomenal job pivoting to practice via telehealth and have shown remarkable courage and adaptability. Members have told us that engaging our very young students and students with a disability via online platforms has been especially challenging. You are dynamic and amazing.

We have heard from so many of you during this challenging period. We also work with other associations such as the School Counselling and Psychology Association NSW (formerly APACS NSW). SCPA NSW had this to say in support:

SCPA NSW would like to thank you for your everlasting commitment, professionalism and support for the mental health and wellbeing of students and the wider school system during these unprecedented times. SCPA NSW recognises and very much appreciates that you have all made opportunities out of the challenges, and consistently had the support of students at the forefront of all you are doing.

COVID-19 has thrown us many challenges but you have all met and exceeded these in the face of higher demands for our services. This has once again highlighted that school counsellor and school psychologists are leaders in providing quality, evidence-based and flexible psychological services for children and young people in Australia. 

Please reach out to both AAPi or SCPA NSW if you would like assistance and let us know how we can support you best. We would love to hear from you. Perhaps you may be able to offer anecdotes or reflections for our member newsletter to raise awareness and insight into what life as a school counsellor or psychologist has been like in 2020-2021. We would also like to hear about new strategies you have developed to assist students and ideas that have assisted you to care for yourself.

From everyone at AAPi and SCPA NSW, thank you for helping our young people during these most challenging of times. 

Tegan Carrison                                                           Kevin Thoms

Executive Director                                                      President

Australian Association of Psychologists Inc                    School Counselling and Psychology Association NSW

www.aapi.org.au                                                        www.scpansw.org.au