ABSTRACT
Systemic intervention strategies rooted in family therapy approaches are at the core of empirically supported work with children and families. The challenge for school psychologists and social workers and community-based practitioners is how to best adapt systemic strategies to provide effective services within the school setting. This chapter reviews the intervention strategies and processes of empirically supported multisystem and family therapy approaches relevant to work in schools. Common themes that are central to these approaches are delineated: a relational focus, involvement of multiple contributors for problem-solving, a focus on strengths and capacity building, addressing adaptation to developmental transitions and traumatic life events, and the application of future-focused action-oriented behavior change strategies. Practical examples illustrate the application of these strategies.
