Preparing school counseling students to aid families: Integrating a family systems perspective. The Family Journal

In this article, the value of integrating family systems theory into a school counseling curriculum is explored. Some programs have historically placed school counselors in a difficult position by not adequately preparing them for the demands of incorporating family systems and community collaboration into clinical practice. The rationale for incorporating family systems theory, ethical and accreditation considerations, and three approaches to integrating family systems theory into a school counseling curriculum are addressed. Keywords counselor education, family systems, school counseling, ethical considerations The first and most essential support system for a child is his or her family. After the family, the school system becomes the next most influential force in a child’s development and may be the only contact for mental health assistance they encounter (Pledge, 2004). In some cases, these two systems exist in relative harmony. In many other cases, the coordination between these systems col-lapses on the school counselor and the counselor must negotiat