The purpose of this chapter is to add further legitimacy to the growing number of career counselors who wish to engage clients in an in-depth exploration of their families influence on their career choice. Until recently, information about the influence of the family of origin on career decision making has not had much impact in the career development literature or career counseling technique. Strategies are suggested for career counselors to organize data on the different influences of the family of origin on the career decision making process. Utilizing this approach, counselors can deepen their clients' career counseling and life planning process by understanding the many ways that family background, upbringing, support, and conflict affect career decision making. With appropriate guidance, clients can engage family members more frequently as supportive partners in the career counseling process. (Contains 10 references.) (GCP)