Preparing School Counseling Students to Aid Families: Integrating a Family Systems Perspective

Abstract

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.

Factors Influencing School Counselor Involvement in Partnerships With Families of Color: A Social Cognitive Exploration

“…The academic and personal achievements of students are influenced by factors beyond the classroom because contextual factors such as family and community also affect performance (Leonard, 2011; Paylo, 2011). School counselors seeking to implement effective student interventions must consider the valuable input from parents and other significant family members.…”

Family and Systems Theory in Counselor Education: A PRISMA Systematic Review

“…Research as a secondary theme of Implementation helps to highlight the various implications of family and systems theory in research. Articles included in this secondary theme include incorporating neuroscience into family and systems theory research (Miller & Dillman, 2016), recommendations for trauma-informed approaches (Copley & Carney, 2020), issues with integration (Hanna, 2011; Marquis et al, 2011), diagnosis-specific treatment approaches (Hurst et al, 2012), conducting research in schools (Hooper & Britnell, 2012), pedagogical adjustment in counselor education (Haber et al, 2021; Harrawood et al, 2011; Paylo, 2011; Sommer et al, 2011; Tadros, 2020), and reconceptualizing family and systems theory in family change issues and treatment (Graham et al, 2013; Kolbert et al, 2013; Koltz & Koltz, 2019; Lloyd-Hazlett et al, 2016; Mana & Naveh, 2018; Nims & Duba, 2011; Pereira, 2014; Phipps & Vorster, 2015; Rajaei & Jensen, 2020; Sung et al, 2018; Weir et al, 2021).…”

School Counselors’ Perceptions of Family Systems Perspectives

“…Learning family systems perspective via various methods was associated with these counselors feeling more prepared and competent, with their placing importance on a family systems perspective, and with their actually using a family systems perspective. As Paylo (2011) recommended, the school counselor’s understanding of family systems is essential to meet the demands of an evolving profession and should be considered through the school counseling curriculum. Although CACREP delineates mandatory knowledge and skills for school counselors, this accrediting body does not suggest how to structure curricular experiences (Perusse et al, 2001).…”

“…School counselors who use family systems interventions offer powerful solutions for helping parents promote effective ways of managing students successfully in the school and in the home (Nelson, 2006; Ziomek-Daigle & Calvin, 2015). Thus, it is vital that school counselors understand a family systems perspective and include this perspective in the school counseling curriculum (Paylo, 2011).…”