Part 1: Finding My Theory: Why I Chose Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

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 own. For me, that choice came easily. The one I could truly get behind was Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

Why SFBT? I have two main reasons:

1. Time in schools is limited. As a school counselor, I don’t always have the luxury of long-term therapeutic work. Students need strategies they can use right now, in real time.

2. My military background. In the military, we were told: “Don’t bring a problem without a solution.” The focus was never on why something happened but on what we were going to do about it. That mindset matches perfectly with solution-focused work.

   
   

So yes—SFBT felt like the right fit. But once I claimed it as my theory, a new set of questions emerged:

• What does that really mean in practice?

• How do I apply it with students every day?

• And how do I grow in it without the traditional supervision other clinical professionals receive?

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When someone becomes a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or earns another clinical certification, there’s a built-in period of supervision. A mentor guides you, corrects you, and helps you put your theory into practice. But for school counselors, there’s no official system like that. You pass your exam, get certified, and suddenly you’re on your own.

I was fortunate. My lead counselor not only understood SFBT but also practiced it herself. She supported me and gave me space to explore. Still, there was no clear roadmap; so I went searching for one.

That’s when I discovered Dr. Linda Metcalf’s podcast, “Solution-Focused Schools Unlimited.” Hearing her connect solution-focused therapy directly to the school setting was a game changer for me. It made everything click.

Now, heading into my third year as a school counselor, I finally feel grounded in my theory. I’ve even started creating resources to help myself stay consistent in using SFBT so I can serve my students, what Dr. Metcalf calls our “school clients", with clarity and focus.

I still have so much to learn, but that excites me. The more I study, practice, and reflect, the stronger my skills become. I believe my work as a solution-focused school counselor will only get better if I keep growing.

The moment it makes sense

Because at the end of the day, I’m not here to dwell on why problems exist—I’m here to help students build solutions and move forward.