An Integrated Approach to Peer Counselling points out the need for people to understand the important role counsellors play within the school environment and how peer counselling adds value to the process of student success. Counselling being a relatively new discipline in Kenya, this book demystifies how contemporary issues that disturb the youth can be approached. It gives practical approaches towards problem solving.

The books observes that in the current setting, there is a big chasm in the relationship between teachers and students and, which has led to misunderstandings. It points out that people should understand the different roles of the teacher in the classroom and the teacher as a counselor. The two roles are not synonymous, it argues.

Teachers should be guides. They need to be trained in counselling if they want to know how to relate with students. Very few teachers have been trained in counselling, the book says.

According to the writers, there seems to be a disconnect and mistrust resulting from inability in dealing professionally with students issues leading to more indiscipline and students blaming teachers and vice versa, which could be addressed through effective counselling.

In 12 well balanced chapters, the writers use easy and understandable language to define counsellors, their role and how to go about implementing that role.

The book comes at a time when the Teachers Service Commission has revealed that it will begin hiring professional counsellors to work with students in schools.

It begins by explaining the rationale of training peer counsellors. It then details the basic ethical issues in counselling, understanding sexuality issues facing the youth and career guidance. It also deals with interpersonal and mental health issues as well as financial management.

The writers are counsellors of long standing. They provide case studies of real life situations that they have come across while counselling secondary school and college students.

They have avoided jargon in their writing and the book, while dealing with a complex issue, is still a joy to read.

Jane Nyutu is the director, Centre for Counselling and Capacity Building at Mount Kenya University and has been a secondary school teacher for many years.