Educational psychology: The fall and rise of therapy

Abstract

This paper considers the historical place of therapy in the early development of educational psychology. It then discusses reasons for its decline in terms of the reconstruction of the profession, increasingly demarcated professional boundaries, a predominant focus on education and the impact of special educational needs legislation on professional practice. It argues, however, that it is time for therapy to be rehabilitated in educational psychology, proposing this as a historical inevitability that is now supported by the rising profile of mental health issues in children and young people, the new evidence base for therapy and changing perspectives on the nature of applied psychology. It concludes by outlining the signs of a rising commitment to therapy within the profession and asserts the role of educational psychologists as a key therapeutic resource for children and young people.