Teachers are burning out. Classrooms are becoming harder to manage. And children are struggling to regulate their emotions in school. In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr Marianne Trent speaks with educational psychologist Dr Adam McCartney about what educational psychologists actually do in schools - and how psychological thinking can help transform behaviour, emotional regulation and staff wellbeing across entire school systems. Using real case studies from UK schools, we explore classroom behaviour challenges, teacher burnout, SEND pressures and practical emotional regulation strategies that help children and teachers thrive. Whether you're an aspiring psychologist, teacher, SEN professional, or simply curious about how schools support children's emotional wellbeing, this episode provides a powerful look at psychology in action.

Useful Book Mentioned in the Podcast: Gabor Mate, Hold on to your kids: https://amzn.to/4uhX30i

Highlights

1. 00:00 Why teacher burnout and behaviour challenges are rising in schools
2. 01:21 What educational psychologists actually do in schools
3. 04:27 Case study: a school system in crisis and how psychology helped stabilise it
4. 06:08 Why role confusion in school staff fuels burnout and conflict
5. 09:59 Supporting distressed pupils while stabilising the wider school system
6. 13:04 The power of systemic thinking in educational psychology
7. 14:38 Why reflective practice is essential for teachers and school leaders
8. 17:30 Case study: a “difficult” Year 4 class and emotional regulation
9. 19:11 Observing classrooms and understanding teacher dynamics
10. 22:14 Teaching emotional literacy through the classroom “corners” strategy
11. 25:23 Why teacher relationships regulate children’s nervous systems
12. 29:04 Why children sometimes seek attention from teachers
13. 31:59 Doing better when we know better in education
14. 32:03 What education might look like in the age of AI
15. 33:32 Why creativity, connection and collaboration will remain essential skills

Links:

Listen to Adam's Podcast, Between Two Psychs: https://www.dradammccartney.com/betweentwopsychs

📲 Connect with Dr Adam McCartney here:

https://www.dradammccartney.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-adam-mccartney-afbpss-647ab1221/

https://www.instagram.com/dradammcartney/

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