Relate, Place and Process: Creating Psychological Safety for Young People Disclosing Voice-Hearing in Educational Settings

Abstract

In educational settings, intersectional factors such as neurodiversity, structural inequalities and social isolation have resulted in additional complexity in meeting young people’s mental health needs. The specific phenomenon of voice-hearing can be linked to these complexities and stigma has been shown to further marginalise young people following disclosure. Educational staff report a lack of confidence and specialist training in this area. This chapter outlines the current understanding around the experience of voice-hearing and identifies examples of good practice by considering the lived experiences of individuals that have made a disclosure of this nature in school. Barriers to disclosure and what was helpful about the experience are discussed. Developing a trauma-informed ethos and compassion-focussed principles are highlighted as whole-setting approaches to support and benefit both young people with these presentations and education staff. Recommendations of relevant organisations and training initiatives in schools are provided with guidance on developing and implementing best practices.

Citation

McEwan, M. (2024), "Relate, Place and Process: Creating Psychological Safety for Young People Disclosing Voice-Hearing in Educational Settings", Jayman, M., Glazzard, J., Rose, A. and Quickfall, A. (Ed.) The BERA Guide to Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools: Exploring Frontline Support in Educational Research and Practice (The BERA Guides), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 155-170. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83797-242-520241009