Identifying core components of consultation for trainee educational psychologists and initial training

Consultation is central to educational psychology practice, yet research highlights a gap between the expectations of UK trainee educational psychologists (TEPs) and the realities of post-qualification consultation delivery. This study aimed to identify essential consultation skills for TEPs to develop during doctoral training and key approaches for teaching these skills. An online survey, informed by an expert reference group, asked 63 self-selecting educational psychologists (EPs) to rank consultation components and training methods by perceived importance. The highest-ranked skills included building collaborative relationships; demonstrating empathy and deep listening skills; and validating others’ perspectives. Key training approaches highlighted were creating safe spaces for TEPs; opportunities to observe skilled practitioners; and grounding consultation in theoretical and evidence-based models. Findings illuminate priorities for initial consultation training, which need to be operationalisable within everyday EP practice. While limited by a small sample size, this study provides a foundation for future large-scale research.<br/><br/>