Relational Practice: New Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools

A clear and compelling text written by teachers, psychologists, and educationalists, Relational Practice: New Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools proposes a dynamic and relational approach to supporting the mental health needs of children and young people within education. Contributing authors advocate a movement away from the deficit, medicalised model of mental health and instead encourage readers to embrace a relational approach, considering philosophical and spiritual dimensions, as well as the wider everyday contexts that shape the mental health of individuals, groups, and school communities.

Filled with case studies, intervention strategies, and CPD activities, this essential guide bridges the gap between theory, research, and practice to offer evidence-based resources for practical application within schools.

Areas covered include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting neurodivergent and LGBT+ students to thrive
• Creating and actioning an anti-racist approach
• Multi-agency interventions
• Relationships in SEND settings
• Creating a supportive culture to enhance staff wellbeing
• Appreciative inquiry
• Staff perceptions of Building Relational Schools (BRS)
• The role of intersubjective processes and the impact they have on relationships in educational settings

Providing a comprehensive introduction to relational practice within education, this is an indispensable resource for anyone working in education who wishes to support the mental health and wellbeing of their school community.

Sahaja Timothy Davis is a practitioner, teacher, and researcher of mindfulness and non-duality who has contributed to national and international research projects, conferences, and publications in these areas. He is also the co-director for the doctorate in child and educational psychology at the University of Sheffield.

Tom Billington is Emeritus Professor of educational and child psychology at the University of Sheffield (UK) and is a fellow of the British Psychological Society. His work as a practitioner has driven his research, utilising critical approaches to developmental psychology that accord with principles of equality, diversity, and social inclusion.

Mary Chilokoa is a practising educational psychologist working in Leeds Educational Psychology Service. She is an academic tutor on the doctoral course in child and educational psychology at the University of Sheffield and has published in the areas of peer supervision and pupil ‘voice’.

Claire-Marie Whiting is a specialist educational psychologist for participation and engagement at Rotherham Educational Psychology Service. She is the co-lead for ‘Genuine Partnerships’, a group of practitioners, parent carers, and young people who model and support co-production and inclusive practice. Claire is also the director of placements and a course tutor for the educational psychology doctorate at the University of Sheffield.