Exploring Educational Psychologists’ views and experiences of the Beads of Life narrative therapy based intervention

Beads of Life is a narrative therapy based intervention that supports children and young people’s (CYP) emotional wellbeing by helping them to identify their strengths and view their problems as separate to themselves (Portnoy et al., 2016). Despite a core function of the Educational Psychologist (EP) role being to deliver effective interventions that promote positive emotional wellbeing and mental health, little is known about EPs’ experiences of facilitating narrative therapy based interventions such as Beads of Life (Scottish Executive, 2002). This research aims to inform EP practice in therapeutic work by providing a greater understanding and information around how Beads of Life is best delivered by EPs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven EPs around their views and experiences of Beads of Life. A critical realist methodology was employed and the data was analysed through reflexive thematic analysis (TA) (Braun & Clarke, 2019). The results revealed that participants viewed Beads of Life as a helpful, unique and enjoyable strengths-based intervention that provides a safe and containing experience for CYP. The collaborative therapeutic relationship between EPs and CYP was seen to help CYP to share their stories. It was perceived to support CYP to recognise and build their strengths and confidence. A range of facilitating factors and barriers to EPs’ engagement with Beads of Life were identified. The EP role and skillset were viewed as being strongly aligned with the Beads of Life facilitator role. It was concluded that this research provides valuable insight into the facilitating factors and barriers to EPs delivering Beads of Life and how it can be successfully implemented by EPs to support CYP’s emotional wellbeing.