THE COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST / September 2002Walsh et al. / CONCE TUAL FRAMEWORKA Conceptual Framework for Counseling Psychologists in Schools

This article explores how contemporary developmental psychology, specifically developmental-contextualism, provides a conceptual framework for practice and research by counseling psychologists who work with schools. Developmental-contextualism articulates how human development (a) is affected by context, (b) involves bio-psycho-social levels, (c) occurs during the life span, and (d) includes strengths and deficits. The authors delineate how these four developmental principles, in conjunction with the traditional strengths of counseling psychology, can guide the application of effective interventions with school-aged children and their families. In recent years, the nation’s commitment to educational reform has stimu-lated renewed interest by psychologists in schools and the school-aged popu-lation (American Psychological Association, 2001). Psychology’s potential contribution to educational reform has been noted within and outside the dis