Module overview
EMHPs provide support and interventions in schools and colleges that acknowledge the broad range of difficulties experienced by many children and young people and which have adverse effects on their well-being. These will include common adverse experiences, traumatic events and common problems occurring in education settings. EHMWs will work within a model of the child and young person that recognizes both the effects of adversity on children and the limits of their autonomy. They will promote the well-being of children and young people by supporting their cognitive, emotional, social and physical development in the context of their family, school and other systems.
The EMHP will draw on theory and research evidence about development and child and adolescent mental health to understand and to help children and young people to develop and increase support from their community of teachers, peers and family members. They will use psychological theories and models and psychoeducation to help children and young people understand and tolerate negative emotions (e.g. worry, sadness, anger, frustration). To help children and young people adapt to their unwanted or distressing behaviours and emotions, EMHPs will draw on psychological theories and research about principles of behaviour change.