Solution-Focused Counseling in Schools

John J. Murphy, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and professor of psychology and counseling at the University of Central Arkansas. He received his PhD in school psychology from the University of Cincinnati and completed postdoctoral work with Dr. Barry Duncan at the Dayton Institute for Family Therapy. Dr. Murphy has worked in urban, rural, and suburban schools as a teacher, school psychologist, and mental health consultant. He continues to work with students and caregivers and provides training and consultation for state associations, school districts, and other agencies throughout the United States and overseas. He received the American School Counselor Association’s Best Book of the Year award for the 1997 edition of Solution-Focused Counseling in Schools (American Counseling Association) and was named one of the top five school psychologists in the United States by the National Association of School Psychologists. His books have been translated into multiple languages, and his work has been featured in counseling textbooks, the New York Times bestseller Switch, Fast Company magazine, and the DVD training series Child Therapy With the Experts.  Dr. Murphy is a consultant and trainer for the North American Chinese Psychological Association and a project director with the Heart and Soul of Change Project, an international research/advocacy group that promotes respectful, client-directed services for underrepresented persons and groups. He is a popular keynote and workshop speaker who has met with thousands of mental health professionals, teachers, and parents throughout the world. His workshops are known for their practicality and passion for helping people change with dignity.

• Preface  Acknowledgments  About the Author  Part One: The Basics  Chapter 1: Introduction and Illustration  Chapter 2: The Big Picture  Chapter 3: Counselor Role and Techniques  Chapter 4: Developmental Considerations and Adaptations  Part Two: The Process  Chapter 5: Setting a Direction  Chapter 6: Building on Exceptions  Chapter 7: Building on Client Resources  Chapter 8: Exploring Progress  Part Three: The Rest  Chapter 9: Other Applications  Chapter 10: Empirical, Conceptual, and Professional Support  Chapter 11: Frequently Asked Questions  Chapter 12: Putting It Into Action  References  Appendix A: Solution-Focused Questions  Appendix B: Crib Sheets for First and Later Sessions  Appendix C: Outcome and Session Rating Scales From the Partners for Change Outcome Management System (PCOMS)  Appendix D: Implementing PCOMS in Schools: Rationale, Guidelines, and Examples  Appendix E: Letters and Documents for Empowering Progress  Appendix F: Instructions for Self-Modeling  Appendix G: Solution-Focused Items for Referral Forms  Appendix H: Additional Learning and Networking Resources  Index