Irvine Gersch graduated in Psychology from University College North Wales Bangor, before completing a four-year course of integrated training in educational psychology at Swansea. He has worked as a schoolteacher, university lecturer, educational psychologist, Deputy and Principal Educational Psychologist. His Doctorate was in the area of school leadership and pupil behaviour.

He has served as chairperson of the British Psychological Society Training Committee for educational psychology and as a member of the DfES working group on the future role and training of educational psychologists.

He has co-edited two books, and published chapters in books and articles in the fields of listening to children and pupil involvement, behaviour management, school leadership, systems analysis, management, educational psychology training, conciliation and mediation in Special Needs and teacher stress. In 2002, he received the British Psychological Society’s annual award for Distinguished Contributions to Professional Psychology.

His current research interests include listening to children, spiritual listening, SEN mediation and the role of children, parenting adult children and the future of the profession of educational psychology.

• Director of the Professional Doctorate in Applied Educational and Child Psychology

• Educational Psychology
• Special Needs
• Listening to children
• Parenting adult children
• SEN mediation

• Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology: initial training for educational psychologists
• Doctorate in Applied Educational and Child Psychology: for qualified educational psychologists

• Interpersonal and Professional Skills
• The Practice and Future of Educational Psychology Research
• Philosophy, Epistemology and the Profession of Educational Psychology
• Special Educational Needs
• Research

Peer-reviewed Journal Articles

1. Gersch, I.S., & Lipscomb, A. (2013). Listening to children’s views about life’s ‘big questions’: Is there a role for spiritual and philosophical questioning within educational psychology practice? DECP Debate, 46, 15–23.
2. Gersch, I.S., Lipscomb, A., & Howarth, I. (2013). [Review of the book Resources for developing self-esteem and social emotional skills]. DECP Debate, 146, 32–33.
3. Gersch, I.S. (2012). Power to the pupils [Review of the book The learning powered school : pioneering 21st century education, by G. Claxton, M. Chambers, G. Powell and B. Lucas]. The Psychologist, 25(7), 530.
4. Lipscomb, A., & Gersch, I.S. (2012). Using a ‘spiritual listening tool’ to investigate how children describe spiritual and philosophical meaning in their lives. International Journal of Children’s Spirituality, 17(1), 5–23. doi:10.1080/1364436X.2011.651713
5. Carelse, B., Gersch, I.S., Cameron, S., & Lloyd Bennett, P. (2010). Mindfulness and educational psychology: a review of two conferences. DECP Debate, 136, 21–30.
6. Lloyd Bennett, P., Cameron, S., Gersch, I.S., & Carelse, B. (2010). Spirituality in education: is it worthwhile? DECP Debate, 136, 31–35.
7. Bennett, P.L. (2009). Professor Irvine Gersch: reflections on his career. DECP Debate, 132(September), 12–17.
8. Bennett, P.L. (2009). An interview with Professor Irvine Gersch on the training of educational psychologists. DECP Debate, 132(September), 7–11.
9. Gersch, I.S. (2009). A positive future for educational psychology — if the profession gets it right. Educational Psychology in Practice, 25(1), 9–19. doi:10.1080/02667360802697555
10. Axup, T., & Gersch, I. S. (2008). The impact of challenging student behaviour upon teachers’ lives in a secondary school: teachers’ perceptions. British Journal of Special Education, 35(3), 144–151. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8578.2008.00388.x
11. Gersch, I.S., Dowling, F., Panagiotaki, G., & Potton, A. (2008). Listening to children’s views of spiritual and metaphysical concepts: a new dimension to educational psychology practice. Educational Psychology in Practice, 24(3), 225–236. doi:10.1080/02667360802256782

Books

1. Golawski, A., Bamford, A., & Gersch, I.S. (2013). Swings and roundabouts: a self-coaching workbook for parents and those considering becoming parents. London: Karnac Press.
2. Gersch, I.S., & Lipscomb, A. (2012). A little box of big questions: cards to encourage meaningful and philosophical conversations with children and young people. Northants: Small World Publishing.

Edited Books

1. Leigh, L., Gersch, I.S., Dix, A., & Hayhtorne, D. (Eds.). (2012). Dramatherapy with children, young people and schools: enabling creativity, sociability, communciation and learning. London: Routledge.

Book Chapters

1. Gersch, I.S. (2013). Educational psychology. In R. Bayne & G. Jinks (Eds.), Applied psychology: research, training and practice (2nd ed., pp. 290–292). London: Sage.
2. Gersch, I.S. (2012). Educational psychology, listening to children and dramatherapy. In L. Leigh, I.S. Gersch, A. Dix & D. Haythorne (Eds.), Dramatherapy with children, young people and schools: enabling creativity, communication, emotional wellbeing and learning (pp. 218–226).

Peer-reviewed Journal Articles

1. Turner, M., & Gersch, I.S. (2007). Scoping the profession: evidence of changing times for educational psychology, 2002 to 2006. BPS DECP Debate, 124(September), 6–13.
2. Gersch, I. S., & Turner, M. (2006). Psychologists united: catching up with achievements, innovations and developments in applied psychology. DECP Debate, 118, 23–29.
3. Gersch, I.S., & Teuma, A. (2005). Are educational psychologists stressed? A pilot study of educational psychologists’ perceptions. Educational Psychology in Practice, 21(3), 219–233. doi:10.1080/02667360500205909
4. Soar, K., Burke, K., Herbst, K.R., & Gersch, I.S. (2005). Pupil involvement with special educational needs disagreement resolution: some perceived barriers to including children in mediation. British Journal of Special Education, 32(1), 35–41. doi:10.1111/j.0952-3383.2005.00367.x
5. Gersch, I.S., & Hardy J. (2004). A unique programme for principal educational psychologists : PEPS need support and training too! Debate. Division of Educational and Child Psychology, British Psychological Society(111), Sept.
6. Turner, J., & Gersch, I.S. (2004). Interview: Jane Turner in conversation with Irvine Gersch. Division of Educational and Child Psychology. British Psychology Society, 109, 7–12.
7. Williams, M., & Gersch, I.S. (2004). Teaching in mainstream and special schools: are stresses similar or different? British Journal of Special Education, 31(3), 157–162. doi:10.1111/j.0952-3383.2004.00347.x
8. Gersch, I.S. (2003). A Review of “Listening to young people in school, youth work and counselling” by Nick Luxmoore. Division of Educational and Child Psychology, 105, 31–32.
9. Massey, C., Taylor, A., Gersch, I.S., & Gibbs, S. (2002). A possible method for operationalising the BPS DECP quality standards. A case study in one educational psychology service and an evaluation. Educational and Child Psychology, 19(4), 27–34.
10. Gersch, I.S. (2001). Book review of M. Jelly, A. Fuller & R. Byers (2000) Involving pupils in practice — promoting partnerships with pupils with SEN. Educational Psychology in Practice, 17(3), 295–296.
11. Gersch, I.S. (2001). The London Course Directors Views on EP effectiveness. DECP, 100, 7–8.
12. Gersch, I.S., Kelly, C., Cohen, S., Daunt, S., & Frederickson, N. (2001). The Chingford Hall screening project. Can we have more EP time please? Educational Psychology in Practice, 17(2), 135–156. doi:10.1080/02667360120059346
13. Gersch, I.S. (2001). University of East London. In K. Cullen (Ed.), Educational psychology effectiveness: the London course directors' views. DECP Debate, 100, 7-8.
14. Rowley, J., & Gersch, I. S. (2001). SEN conciliation: is there a pattern to referrals? Educational Psychology in Practice, 17(4), 361–374. doi:10.1080/02667360120096705
15. Stoker, R., Gersch, I.S., Fox, G., Lown, J., & Morris, S. (2001). Educational psychology services and their future — some responses to the DfEE working party report. British Journal of Special Education, 28(2), 86–88. doi:10.1111/1467-8527.00224
16. Farrell, P., Gersch, I. S., & Morris, S. (1998). Progress towards three year professional training courses for educational psychologists. Educational Psychology in Practice, 14(1), 44–51. doi:10.1080/0266736980140109
17. Gersch, I.S., Casale, C., & Luck, C. (1998). The Waltham Forest SEN Conciliation Service: one approach to reducing tribunal appeals. Educational Psychology in Practice, 14(1), 11–21. doi:10.1080/0266736980140102
18. Gersch, I.S. (1997). Extension and improvement of training in educational psychology: letter to editor. Educational Psychology in Practice, 13(3), 204–205.
19. Gersch, I.S., & Gersch, B. (1997). The Birmingham criteria: throwing out the baby with the bath water? Educational Psychology in Practice, 12(4), 212–214. doi:10.1080/0266736970120404
20. Gersch, I.S., M’Gadzah, H., Frederickson, N., & Lokke, C. (1997). The Resurrection of psychometrics: fact or fiction? Educational Psychology in Practice, 12(4), 222–233.
21. Gersch, I.S., Gersch, A.N., Lockhart, R., & Moyse, S. (1997). The child witness pack: an evaluation. Educational Psychology in Practice, 15(1), 45–50. doi:10.1080/0266736990150108
22. Gersch, I.S. (1996). Involving children in assessment: creating a listening ethos. Division of Educational and Child Psychology, 13(2), 31–40.
23. Gersch, I.S. (1996). Teachers are people too. Support for learning: special issue on children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. British Journal of Learning Support, 11(4), 165–169. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9604.1996.tb00253.x

Non-peer-reviewed Journal Articles

1. Gersch, I. S. (2006). Revolutionising applied training. Letter to the editor. The Psychologist, 19(2), 74.
2. Gersch, I.S., & São João Gonçalves, S. (2006). Creative arts and educational psychology: let?s get together. International Journal of Art therapy, 11(1), 22–32. doi:10.1080/17454830600674050
3. Soar, K., Gersch, I.S., & Lawrence, J.A. (2006). Pupil involvement in special educational needs disagreement resolution: a parental perspective. Support for Learning, 21(3), 149–155. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9604.2006.00421.x
4. Currie, J., & Gersch, I. S. (2005). Obituary: Arthur Thomas Ravenette. Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP) Newsletter.
5. Gersch, I.S. (2004). Educational psychology: in an age of uncertainty. The Psychologist, 17(3), 142–145.
6. Gersch, I.S. (2001). Dramatherapy in education: opportunities for the future — a view from the outside. Dramatherapy (Special ‘Education’ Edition), 23(1), 4–8. doi:10.1080/02630672.2001.9689566
7. Lown, J., Fox, G., Gersch, I.S., Morris, S., & Stoker, R. (2001). Reconstructing educational psychology practice. Support for Learning, 16(3), 135–139. doi:10.1111/1467-9604.00205
8. Kelly, C., & Gersch, I.S. (2000). How newly trained psychologists see the profession developing: a crystal ball gaze towards the Year 2010. Division of Educational and Child Psychology Newsletter — British Psychological Society, 94, 10–19.
9. Morris, S., Fox, G., Gersch, I.S., Lown, J., & Stoker, R. (2000). Educational Psychologists are valued — it’s official. Special Children, 132(Oct), 25–27.
10. Frederickson, N., Gersch, I. S., Lokke, C., & M’Gadzah, H. (1998). Resurrection of psychometrics 11. Division of Educational and Child Psychology Newsletter, 87, 3–7.
11. Gersch, I.S., & Casale, C. (1998). The Waltham Forest SEN Conciliation Service. National Parent Partnership Network Newsletter.
12. Gersch, I.S. (1997). Radical change in educational psychology training. The Psychologist, 10(10), 467–468.
13. Gersch, I.S. (1997). Training matters — the future needs of educational psychology training. Division of Educational and Child Psychology Newsletter, 77, 12–16.
14. Nolan, A., & Gersch, I.S. (1996). Special needs assistants: a valuable resource in meeting children’s needs. Special Children, 91, 10–15.
15. Portsmouth, R., O’Riordan, S., Morris, S., & Gersch, I.S. (1996). Training matters — extending and improving professional training. Division of Educational and Child Psychology Newsletter, 73, 10–12.

Books

1. Gersch, I.S., & Gersch, A. (2002). Resolving disagreement in special education needs: a practical guide to conciliation and mediation: London: Routledge Falmer.

Book Chapters

1. Dowling, E., Gersch, I., & Gower, M. (2005). Parenting adult children, a project combining narrative, clinical and empirical methodologies. In A. Vetere & E. Dowling (Eds.), Narrative therapies with children and their families: a practitioners guide: concepts and approaches. London: Routledge.
2. Gersch, I.S., & Ni’Dhomhnaill, G. (2004). Professional and ethical considerations when working with children and adolescents. In R. Tribe & J. Morrisey (Eds.), Handbook of professional practice and ethical considerations for psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors: London: Brunner-Routledge.
3. Curran, P., Gersch, I., Labram, A., Robinson, M., Turner, M., & Wolfendale, S. (2003). Practice and training: educational psychology. In R. Bayne & I. Horton (Eds.), Applied psychology: current issues and new direction: Sage.
4. Gersch, I.S. (2003). Experts round table on applied psychology. In R. Bayne & I. Horton (Eds.), Applied psychology: current issues and new direction: Sage.
5. Gersch, I.S. (2001). Listening to children. In J. Wearmouth (Ed.), Special educational provision in the context of inclusion: policy and practice in schools. London: David Fulton Publishers with the Open University.
6. Gersch, I.S., Pratt, G., Nolan, A., & Hooper, S. (1996). Listening to children in educational contexts. In R. Davie, G. Upton & V. Varma (Eds.), The voice of the child: a handbook for professionals. Falmer Press.

Magazine Articles

1. Gersch, I.S. (2003, June). Testing times: exam survival guide. She Magazine, 209–210.
2. Gersch, I.S. (1996, March). “Good advice” feature on homework. Family Circle, 108.

• Chartered Educational Psychologist
• Chartered Scientist
• Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA)
• Member of the Association of Educational Psychologists
• Member of the BPS’s Division of Educational and Child Psychology
• Member of the BPS working group on the future of training in educational psychology
• Affiliate member of the American Psychological Association
• Team Inspector (OFSTED)

• Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology