Using Narrative Therapy With Low-Income Middle School Students: A Model for School Counselors

Abstract

The physical, emotional, and cognitive changes incurred during adolescence coupled with heightened anxiety levels and social issues associated with attending middle school can be challenging for youth. For middle school students from low-income families, these challenges are often compounded by poorer health, lower academic achievement, and decreased likelihood of upward social mobility (e.g., completing college) as compared to their more affluent peers. Researchers have found narrative therapy to be a beneficial method of treatment for adolescents from underserved populations or those experiencing social issues (e.g., incarceration, diagnoses of mental health conditions). In this article, the authors propose a six-meeting model of narrative therapy for middle school counselors to implement with low-income students.

Keywords:

• low-income students
• middle school counseling
• narrative therapy