Training Family Therapists for Working in the Schools

Abstract

Historically the schools have not been substantial employers of family therapy professionals. Yet, the issues of school violence and dropout prevention have raised awareness of the need to work with families as prosocial deterrents. Since Marriage and Family Therapists are trained to work systemically and productively with families in many contexts, the next step is to provide new trainees with general and specific skills for working within the schools where they can activate and connect the resources in the family and in the school. The following manuscript describes an overview of how a district-wide MFT program trains inexperienced therapists to work in the schools.

The Influence of School-Based Family Counseling on Elementary Students and Their Families

“…The majority of research done on SBMHCS has focused on individualized treatment for youth, without incorporating the family system (Cooper-Haber & Haber, 2015; Green, 2015). A future direction for expanding the reach of SBMHCS would be to incorporate a family systems approach in the counseling process within the schools.…”

“…Mental health services within schools can be one way to strengthen the partnership between families and schools (Anakwenze & Zuberi, 2013; DiCocco, 1986). Mental health professionals placed in the school setting may bridge communication and foster collaboration between administrators, teachers, and guardians when implementing mental health treatment for a child (Blount, 2012; Cooper-Haber & Haber, 2015; DiCocco, 1986; Ofordile, 2009; Terry, 2002). Additionally, providing counseling within the schools may raise awareness among school staff and families concerning early mental health concerns warning signs before symptoms are exacerbated (Capp, 2015; Cefai & Cavioni, 2015; Salerno, 2016).…”