Solution-Focused Counseling in Schools

The third edition of this widely adopted text covers the philosophical foundations and nuts-and-bolts of using solution-focused counseling to help preschool12 students resolve problems. Dr. Murphys practical and respectful approach has been successfully applied throughout the world by school counselors, counselors-in-training, psychologists, social workers, teachers, administrators, and clinicians who work with young clients. His empowering techniques help students focus on doing what works as simply and efficiently as possible by using their strengths, resources, wisdom, and feedback.

This edition includes new chapters and information on the restrictive influence of problems, strategies for building positive relationships, collecting client feedback to monitor and improve services, and coconstructing solvable problems and reachable goals. Real-life case examples, sample dialog from counseling sessions, discussion and practice exercises, troubleshooting tips, and new and expanded appendixes enhance the books classroom and clinical utility.A complimentary test manual and PowerPoint slides for instructors use are available by written request to ACA.

*Requests for digital versions from ACA can be found on www.wiley.com.

*To purchase print copies, please visit the ACAwebsite

*Reproduction requests for material from books published by ACA should be directed topermissions@counseling.org.

John J. Murphy, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and profes­sor of psychology and counseling at the University of Central Arkansas.

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xiii

About the Author xv

Part One Foundations of Solution-Focused Counseling

Chapter 1 The Problem With Problems: Introduction to Solution-Focused Counseling 3

Chapter 2 Empirical and Conceptual Foundations 19

Chapter 3 Therapeutic Influences, Values, and Assumptions 47

Part Two Tasks and Techniques of Solution-Focused Counseling

Chapter 4 Building Collaborative Relationships 71

Chapter 5 Coconstructing Solvable Problems and Practical Goals 109

Chapter 6 Building on Exceptions 137

Chapter 7 Building on Student Resources 171

Chapter 8 Changing the Viewing 195

Chapter 9 Changing the Doing 221

Chapter 10 How and When to End Counseling 239

Part Three Troubleshooting, Other Applications, and Getting Started

Chapter 11 Troubleshooting When Things Dont Go as Planned: 10 Tips 247

Chapter 12 Other Applications of Solution-Focused Practice in Schools 255

Chapter 13 Putting Solution-Focused Practice Into Immediate Action 267

References 273

Appendix A Client Index 285

Appendix B The Dot-Joining Puzzle and Solution 293

Appendix C Implementing the Partners for Change Outcome Management System in Schools: Practical Guidelines and Examples 295

Appendix D Outcome and Session Rating Scales 303

Appendix E Solution Identification Scale and Quick Survey 313

Appendix F Letters and Documents That Empower Progress 317

Appendix G Tasks of Solution-Focused Counseling 323

Appendix H Format for First and Later Sessions 325

Appendix I Instructions for Self-Modeling 329

Appendix J Items for Solution-Focused Referral Forms 331

Appendix K Websites 333

Index 335