Series: Living Solution-Focused

When school counselors first learn about Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), it often sounds simple: focus on strengths, look for solutions, and help students move forward. In practice, though, being truly solution-focused takes intention—and a lot of unlearning. I’ve made these mistakes myself, and I see them often in new counselors who genuinely want to help. The good news? These are easy habits to recognize and adjust once you’re aware of them. Mistake #1: Trying to Fix

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a solution-focused school counselor is this: you get more of what you focus on. When we focus on what’s working and what’s going well, we tend to see more progress, more confidence, and more hope. When we focus only on what’s wrong, the negative quickly becomes all we can see. That belief sits at the heart of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and guides how I talk with students every day. You don’t need dozens of techniques to pr

What's in your counselor's toolbox? When I first chose Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) as my theory, I was excited but also a little overwhelmed. I understood the principles, but I needed help translating them into daily practice. Without the formal supervision that many clinical professionals get, I had to build my own system of support. Now, heading into my third year as a school counselor, I’ve gathered tools and resources that help me stay grounded in SFBT. I hope

When I first claimed Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) as my theory, I had a big question: what does this actually look like with...

We’ve all been asked at some point: “What’s your theory?” In my master’s program, the message was clear—find a theory and make it your...