This webinar series describes the principles and practices of Solution-Focused Counseling (SFC), a brief, culturally respectful, research-supported approach to school-based counseling. Without minimizing the pain and struggle of difficult problems, SFC assumes all students and caregivers have strengths and resources to help them move forward and achieve meaningful goals. In contrast to traditional deficit-based approaches, SFC invites students and others to focus on what they want and have (goals, resources) rather than focusing on what they do not want or do not have (problems, deficits). Techniques include asking the miracle question, building on exceptions, empowering small signs of progress, and conducting makeshift solution-focused conversations in 5 minutes or less in the lunchroom or teacher’s lounge, while walking down the hallway, or at other times during the school day. Real-time demonstrations, video clips, experiential exercises, and practice activities are used to help participants immediately implement solution-focused methods in their everyday work with students, teachers, parents, and others.
Target Audience: school psychologists
CPD Learning Objectives
This webinar series will help participants:
1. Understand key differences between solution-focused and problem-focused approaches to school-based counseling and intervention.
2. Identify what students and caregivers want from our services (goals).
3. Help students and caregivers apply what they already have toward their goals (resources).
4. Monitor progress and empower small steps toward a better future.
Presenter Bio: John J. Murphy, Ph.D.
Dr. John Murphy is a Licensed Psychologist and Professor of Psychology & Counseling at the University of Central Arkansas. He spent 3 years as high school teacher and worked 13 years as a school psychologist in an economically disadvantaged urban school district. Dr. Murphy is a former finalist for NASP School Psychologist of the Year and an internationally recognized practitioner, author, and trainer of strengths-based, solution-focused practice with young people, families, schools, and various other groups. His books have been translated into several languages and include the award-winning Solution-Focused Counseling in Schools, 3rd ed. (2015) and (with Barry Duncan) Brief Intervention for School Problems, 2nd ed. (2007). His work is featured in the NY Times bestseller Switch and the DVD training series, Child Therapy with the Experts. Dr. Murphy serves as a consultant and trainer for the North American Chinese Psychological Association (NACPA) and a Project Director with the Heart & Soul of Change Project, an international research/advocacy group that promotes respectful, client-directed services for underrepresented persons and groups. He continues to provide therapy and consultation services to schools, agencies, and persons of all ages. Dr. Murphy consults and teaches throughout the world for professional associations, school systems, mental health agencies, universities, and the general public.
Webinar Dates
Sessions will be held virtually from 4:00 to 5:15pm on these dates:
Tuesday, September 1st
Thursday, September 3rd
Tuesday, September 8th
Thursday, September 10th
Registration Information:
Mini-Series Cost: Total Cost for all 4 sessions + hard copy of book:
MASP Members = $70
NE School Psychology Association Members = $75 (includes book shipping fee)
Nonmembers = $100*
Nonmember - Outside of Maine = $105 (includes book shipping fee)
* If you are not a member and are not able to pick up your book in Maine, please select Nonmember - Outside of Maine to have your book shipped to you.
Online registration only. Payment or Purchase Order must accompany registration. Registration deadline is August 30th. No late registrations accepted.
If paying by purchase order, select the "pay offline" option and upload a copy of your PO or email to kimshur@gmail.com.
Each participant will receive a hard copy of Dr. Murphy's book: Solution-Focused Counseling in Schools (3rd ed.). American Counseling Association. 2015.
Please note, hard copies of books will be received after the start of the mini-series. Please be sure your mailing address is correct on the registration form. If you would like a digital copy of the book, you may purchase one separately for $44.95 through this link: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Solution+Focused+Counseling+in+Schools%2C+3rd+Edition-p-9781119026327
Meeting Link:
You must pre-register with Go To Webinar through this link. This is the only way you will receive a meeting link.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8487945402167004686
After registering through the link above, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made prior to the first session (September 1st) will receive a refund less the price of the book. Please email kimshur@gmail.com for cancellations.
CPD Credit:
Participants who attend the entire webinar and complete a speaker evaluation form will receive 5 NASP Approved continuing professional development (CPD) credits.
Questions?
Email kimshur@gmail.com
