Experiences of Middle School Counselors Learning and Applying Principles of Neuroscience

Abstract

Adolescence is period of substantial neurological transformation that can result in significant changes in thinking, feeling, and behavior. School counselors are on the front lines of working with adolescents and other adults that greatly influence adolescents’ development. Understanding principles of neuroscience and adolescent brain development may be helpful for school counselors engaging in this important role. In this interpretative phenomenological analysis study, we examined school counselors’ experiences learning and applying principles of neuroscience and adolescent brain development. Four overarching themes emerged from the data: neuroscience as relevant and useful; neuroscience as a helpful explanation for adolescent behavior; collaborating with key stakeholders; and barriers to application. Implications for school counselors and individuals who train school counselors, as well as implications for future research, are provided.