Psychological services for children: using family therapy in the setting of a school psychological service

An attempt is made to evaluate the results of using family therapy in the setting of a school psychological service over a period of about two-and-a-half years. Seventy-two children were involved, referred by teachers, with a variety of behavioural difficulties and learning problems. The difficulties of involving parents in regular clinic sessions for problems which they either saw as school-based or did not see at all are discussed. It is suggested that the technique of family therapy has been insufficiently exploited to help children seen to have 'a special educational need'. This includes children who are developmentally immature, as well as those who show more overt signs of emotional disturbance.