The most effective way to learn solution-focused professional skills is to have intensive guided practice. This course provides participants with practice opportunities to demonstrate solution-focused supervision in transdisciplinary contexts. Participants will learn to apply solution-focused supervision within a variety of clinical contexts. Participants will learn to formulate solution-focused supervision questions to foster confidence and competence on the part of their supervisee that focuses on improving client outcomes. Participants will engage in video case discussions, break-out sessions, group exercises, and role-plays. Participants will be expected to provide a summary of written clinical practice exercises provided throughout the course. The course includes six bi-monthly group sessions (two hours each, 12 hours total) with live interactive teaching under the guidance of an expert solution-focused practitioner. This course requires completion of BASIC – Solution-Focused Skills and Practice for Agencies. This course is limited to 25 participants per cohort to maximize interactive learning.

Last Updated: February 2025

Target Audience: Social workers, psychologists, mental health counselors, educators, and medical professionals;  appropriate for intermediate and advanced levels of knowledge. This course provides participants with practice opportunities to apply Solution-Focused supervision in transdisciplinary settings. This course provides opportunities for participants to observe video examples, engage in break-out sessions, group exercises, and role-plays, and share successes and challenges in applying solution-focused practice.

After completing the course, you will be able to:

1. Explain at least three solution-focused assumptions relevant to the supervisory role in schools, using case discussions and structured breakout exercises.
2. Summarize the core tasks associated with solution-focused supervision and consultation in school settings, applying concepts in interactive case-based exercises.
3. Apply the three phases of solution-focused supervision (establishing rapport, setting goals, and follow-up) by participating in simulated school supervisory scenarios.
4. Demonstrate solution-focused skills that activate a supervisee’s sense of agency and mobilize resources within a school context by engaging in role-plays and case discussions.
5. Utilize techniques that strengthen relationship resources in school settings, applying them in simulated conversations and interactive peer exercises.
6. Facilitate goal negotiation discussions with supervisees and consultants, demonstrating effective strategies in structured role-plays and case applications.
7. Analyze and present a school-based client-focused supervision case, identifying client-centered solutions and their impact on the supervisory process.
8. Integrate solution-focused feedback techniques into supervision and consultation sessions, engaging in guided practice exercises and peer-reviewed discussions.
9. Implement solution-focused supervision and consultation strategies by applying them in case-based applications and structured role-play scenarios tailored to school-based practice.

Course Agenda

This course includes a total of 12 hours of live instruction divided into six sections. The 12 hours can be scheduled to meet your organization’s needs. Each participant will receive an online course with materials for their reference. The live sessions are recorded and also put into your customized course. The six sections cover the following topics.

1. Orientation to Solution-Focused practices and tenets in the context of supervision
2. Phase One Supervision – an overview, video demonstration, role-plays, and breakout sessions
3. Phase Two Supervision – an overview, video demonstration, role-plays, and breakout sessions
4. Solution-focused scaling in supervision – an overview, video demonstrations, role-plays and breakout sessions
5. Case-based supervision practice – video demonstration and role-plays
6. Supervision feedback and challenges

Participants will be assessed in the following manner:

• Class Participation: Participants are invited to clarify things they do not understand, pose questions, offer ideas, and broaden perspectives.
• Produce a summary of written clinical practice exercises provided throughout the course
• Present an example of how solution-focused supervision practices are integrated into your practice area.

Continuing Education

12 CE Credit/Clock Hours are available for this live course.

Participants should check with their professional licensing boards to ensure that a specific course will be accepted toward their continuing education requirements.

To receive continuing education hours, the participant must attend the entire online presentation, engage in all activities, and complete the course evaluation.

Upon successfully completing the course, participants will be given instructions on downloading and printing their Certificates of Completion.

Policy Information

Our complete list of policies can be viewed here

For More Information

Pricing varies according to agency needs. Please contact us and consider scheduling a pre-training agency consultation.

Instructors and Authors

Anne Bodmer Lutz, MD, Course Instructor

Want More Information about Arranging Live Synchronous Training for Your School Staff?

The Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy provides customized staff training designed to address the unique needs and goals of mental health, human service, medical, and educational organizations. If you are interested in scheduling a time to discuss staff training options for your workplace, simply fill out and return this short form, and our Director, Dr. Anne Lutz, will contact you to schedule a Zoom consultation.