Peer Reviews

The brilliance of this book is in the uniqueness of the how the content has been gathered through the research of UniSQ’s Master of Guidance and Counselling students.  Each student embarked on a journey of discovery in their research projects to capture the essence of what is considered to be best practice in schools when it comes to supporting the mental health of students.

Hearts and Minds is a significant contribution to understanding the challenges that schools experience in supporting the mental health of students.  The book then celebrates the journey of these Master’s students with the publishing of their work in their research projects.  Aspiring guidance officers/school counsellors and other educators will be able to access succinct literature reviews of a variety of mental health conditions.  This then provides the reader with a source of pertinent information that is based upon the literature to guide their practice in supporting students.  Hearts and Minds then most importantly provides suggested interventions that are being successfully implemented in our schools.  Educators based in the classroom, support staff and administration teams will do well by familiarising themselves with the book to use a resource in understanding the underpinnings of mental health disorders.  The beauty of Hearts and Minds is the provision of suggested interventions that educators can draw upon to support the mental health of students.

Dr Greg Souvan

Guidance Officer, Department of Education 

What a fabulous resource and contribution from UniSQ Master of Guidance and Counselling students. Hearts and Hands: Mental Health Support for Schools certainly is an informative overview of a range of mental health disorders affecting children and young people. This resource is not only factual but provides educators with practical, evidence-based interventions and suggestions to apprise their practice and investigate the need for further student supports. Additionally, graduates equipped with this resource have a starting point to enhance their awareness of the role requirements of a Guidance Officer or school counsellor, where positive mental health and mental health difficulties are areas of significance in their daily practice. Hearts and Hands: Mental Health Support for Schools is a necessary contribution and valuable resource for Guidance Officers and other wellbeing professionals as a guide and reference point to their work in schools.

Sally Bryant

Senior Guidance Officer/ Psychologist, Department of Education