What Does an Educational Psychologist Actually Do? School Examples

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/4uhX30iHighlights00:00 Why teacher burnout and behaviour challenges are rising in schools01:21 What educational psychologists actually do in schools04:27 Case study: a school system in crisis and how psychology helped stabilise it06:08 Why role confusion in school staff fuels burnout and conflict09:59 Supporting distressed pupils while stabilising the wider school system13:04 The power of systemic thinking in educational psychology14:38 Why reflective practice is essential for teachers and school leaders17:30 Case study: a “difficult” Year 4 class and emotional regulation19:11 Observing classrooms and understanding teacher dynamics22:14 Teaching emotional literacy through the classroom “corners” strategy25:23 Why teacher relationships regulate children’s nervous systems29:04 Why children sometimes seek attention from teachers31:59 Doing better when we know better in education32:03 What education might look like in the age of AI33:32 Why creativity, connection and collaboration will remain essential skillsLinks:Listen to Adam's Podcast, Between Two Psychs: https://www.dradammccartney.com/betweentwopsychs📲 Connect with Dr Adam McCartney here:https://www.dradammccartney.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-adam-mccartney-afbpss-647ab1221/https://www.instagram.com/dradammcartney/🫶 To join my podcast membership to get early access to episodes and / or exclusive weekly content head to: https://the-aspiring-psychologist.captivate.fm/support or to the Apple Podcasts App: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-aspiring-psychologist-podcast/id1605628278 or to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwjrIP_jatiqlAivJE2mgQ/join📚 To check out The Clinical Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3jOplx0📖 To check out The Aspiring Psychologist Collective Book: https://amzn.to/3CP2N97💡 To check out or join the aspiring psychologist membership for just £30 per month head to: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/membership🖥️ Check out my short courses for aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals here: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/online-coursesAsk Marianne your most pressing psychology career question and she will send you a FREE bespoke reply! Grab your free psychology success guide here and fill in the most pressing concern box: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk (scroll to the bottom of the page)✍️ Get your FREE Supervision Shaping Tool now: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/free-resources📱Connect socially with Marianne and check out ways to work with her, including the Aspiring Psychologist Book, Clinical Psychologist book and The Aspiring Psychologist Membership on her Link tree: https://linktr.ee/drmariannetrent💬 To join my free Facebook group and discuss your thoughts on this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aspiringpsychologistcommunityLike, Comment, Subscribe & get involved:If you enjoy the podcast, please do subscribe and rate and review episodes.Hashtags: #aspiringpsychologist #dclinpsy #psychology #assistantpsychologist #psychologycareers #podcast #psychologypodcast #clinicalpsychologist #mentalhealth #traineeclinicalpsychologist #clinicalpsychology #drmariannetrent #mentalhealthprofessional #gettingqualified #mentalhealthprofessionals #traineepwp #mdt #qualifiedpsychologist #traineepsychologist #aspiringpsychologists #wellbeing