A Study on the Creation Process of Psychological Assistance Networks in School Communities

Abstract

Although the importance for counselors to have a viewpoint to support the school community and a wide range of support activities from individual to group organizations is noted, there are few concrete models regarding the role of psychologists in providing psychological support in school communities. For psychologists to provide psychological support in school communities in the future, it is necessary to clarify their roles with support networks. This paper summarizes the process from creation to adoption of psychological support networks in B city, A prefecture and considers the necessary elements for networks to take root in the school communities. As a result, it is suggested in the initial stage that psychological support activities have accumulated within schools, the board of education, and psychologists as a prerequisite and the importance of materializing activities without missing opportunities. After that, it is inferred that the use of networks and regular face-to-face dialogue play essential roles in maintaining and developing networks. Further, psychologists at times need to play the role of facilitators of change. By approaching the city's board of education and other multi-professional and multi-institutional organizations, it is considered that a place for dialogue would be created within school communities, and networks would develop through transformation.