Solution-focused School Counseling: Constructive Interventions With Students, Staff, And Parents

by Linda Metcalf

This new book on solution-focused counseling from veteran author Linda Metcalf uses numerous cases as the focal point of each chapter to demonstrate effective and brief counseling techniques.

The book's beginning chapters review the elements of solution-focused counseling and how to use them generally with "school clients," defined as students, teachers, and parents. Subsequent chapters go deeper into working with school elementary students; middle and high school students; students who may be at risk for special needs or who have been identified for special education; teachers; and families. One chapter specifically addresses working with students who are frustrated, sad, and unmotivated. Another chapter draws heavily on the effective solution-focused group counseling techniques that Metcalf developed in earlier books, and applies them specifically to school situations. Every chapter offers numerous templates for reproduction, a "Pitfalls and Safeguards" feature, and a chapter action plan. The Appendix includes guidelines for counselors and other support personnel interested in facilitating whole-school training in solution-focused techniques.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2007

About the author

Linda Metcalf, Ph.D., is a former Classroom Teacher, Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is the author of ten books on solution focused therapy. Her research interests include relationship building between teacher and student, the use of solution focused therapy in regard to special education referrals, sexual abuse and addictions. Dr. Metcalf has presented her work extensively throughout the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, Norway, Germany, and UK. She is a Professor in the Department of Education at Texas Wesleyan University, and Coordinator of the School Counseling Program. She is also the President of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.