Solution-Focused Conversations in Schools: Skills and Practice
This live, synchronous course spans five two-hour sessions and is designed to complement the self-paced Solution-Focused Conversations in Schools: An Integration of Education and Mental Health course. Participants will refine their solution-focused skills under the guidance of a master clinician, engaging in interactive case discussions, role plays, and breakout activities tailored to school-based scenarios.
Each session aligns with two sections of the self-paced course, ensuring seamless integration of foundational concepts and advanced techniques. Participants will learn to customize solution-focused strategies for working with students, families, and school teams, addressing challenges such as behavioral concerns, academic stress, trauma, and collaboration within educational systems.
The course is limited to 12 participants to foster meaningful discussions, personalized feedback, and actionable guidance. For those unable to attend live, recorded sessions will be available, complete with interactive quizzes to meet continuing education requirements.
Key Features
- Interactive Learning: Hands-on practice with role plays, case studies, and real-world applications tailored to school environments.
- Personalized Attention: Small group size ensures direct mentorship and feedback from a master clinician.
- Flexible Access: Attend live sessions or opt for recorded sessions with integrated quizzes to meet continuing education needs.
- Professional Development: Earn 10 CE credits while mastering solution-focused strategies for effective and sustainable integration in schools.
By the end of the course, participants will have the confidence and skills to integrate solution-focused practices into their conversations with students, families, and school staff, fostering resilience, collaboration, and positive change within their school communities.
Learning Objectives
The specific Learning Objectives of the course are as follows. After completing the course, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate Solution-Focused Communication Skills in Schools
Practice core solution-focused techniques, such as goal-oriented questioning, scaling tools, and amplifying positive differences, to foster supportive conversations with students, families, and school staff. - Apply Solution-Focused Techniques to Educational Scenarios
Integrate solution-focused strategies into real-world school settings using case studies, role plays, and interactive exercises tailored to the needs of students, teachers, and administrators. - Foster Collaborative Engagement in School Communities
Use solution-focused language to build collaborative and strengths-based relationships within school communities, addressing challenges such as behavioral issues, academic pressures, and trauma. - Refine Advanced Questioning Strategies for Schools
Develop and apply solution-focused questioning techniques, such as the best hope question, miracle question, and goal negotiation, to create actionable plans with students and teams in educational contexts. - Analyze and Apply Case-Based Solutions in Schools
Evaluate student and school-based case studies to identify strengths, resources, and opportunities for growth, incorporating solution-focused safety and assessment planning techniques. - Enhance Emotional Regulation Skills in School Settings
Apply solution-focused techniques, such as “amygdala whispering” and the yes-set, to help students and staff manage and regulate intense emotions in high-pressure educational environments. - Customize Interventions for Diverse Contexts for Schools
Adapt solution-focused approaches to align with the unique needs of diverse student populations and educational systems, including addressing trauma, special education needs, family dynamics, and systemic barriers. - Measure Student and School Progress Using Solution-Focused Tools
Learn to assess progress and outcomes in school settings by utilizing solution-focused tools, such as scaling questions and feedback methods, while distinguishing these from traditional problem-focused assessments. - Strengthen Connections Through VIP Mapping in Schools
Demonstrate VIP (Very Important Presence) mapping to help students and staff recognize and build meaningful connections with peers, educators, and families, fostering resilience and support networks. - Promote Sustainability of Solution-Focused Practices in Schools
Apply solution-focused strategies during team consultations, professional development sessions, and community collaborations to ensure sustainable integration of this approach into school practices.
Course Assessment
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. Participants are encouraged to participate in exercises and discussions.
Continuing Education
10 CE Credit/Clock Hours are available for this live course.
Please see our Continuing Education Information page for information about CE credits and clock hours and our accreditations and approvals for psychologists, social workers, counselors, and marriage & family therapists.
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 with their camera on, engage in all activities with their camera on, and complete the course evaluation.
Upon successfully completing the course, students will be given instructions on downloading and printing their Certificates of Completion.
No conflicts of interest or commercial support are present for the CE program, instructor, or presentation.
Policy Information
Instructors and Authors
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 set up a Zoom consultation.