Solution-Focused School Counseling

Book excerpt: What would a more comprehensive, practical, and customized solution-focused brief counseling (SFBC) book look like for school counselors if it were available today? Solution-Focused School Counseling: The Missing Manual is what I pictured when I imagined the answer to that hypothetical question. Although helpful to other professionals such as social workers, clinical mental health counselors, and couples counselors, this book was written just for you, the school counselor. After reading Solution-Focused School Counseling: The Missing Manual, you will have a clearer understanding of the ins and outs of the SFBC approach. You'll be better able to picture how the model works across different parts of your job, with all kids, and among various issues. You will also be better equipped to navigate the common sticking points that some counselors experience. First, you will learn about the principles, guidelines, and techniques of solution-focused brief counseling. Then, you will discover practical ways you can use the SFBC model in different areas such as: Advising and Career Counseling Classroom Lessons Conflict Resolution Individual Counseling Leadership Parent Conferences Peer Helping Play Counseling Program Development Small Group Counseling Supervision Teacher Consultation and Support You'll also learn how to collect solution-focused data, adapt teaching activities for the classroom, and integrate SFBC with other approaches such as rational-emotive behavior therapy, reality therapy, and behavior modification. The Missing Manual also includes several authentic transcripts that demonstrate the methods in different situations. From understanding solution-focused brief counseling to applying it throughout your program, this book gives you detailed information to get yourself to the next level. Both in-service practitioners and pre-service graduate students will find Solution-Focused School Counseling: The Missing Manual an excellent resource for becoming a solution-focused school counselor.