Brief Counselling Method

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to outline how the solution-focused method of brief counselling can be used to assist students presenting difficulties in dealing with their parents and teachers.   The principles of the solution-focused method explained in this paper are based on the description provided by Tom Harrison (2007).

As the issue of problematic relationships between adolescents and parents and/or teacher is frequent in a modern school setting, it is important to outline effective counselling methods to help manage such problems in a timely manner.   The solution-focused method appropriately lends itself to time constraints and reluctant clients.   Furthermore, this method enables the student to direct the counselling   and give them a sense of empowerment (Lines, 2006).

Method and Application

The multi-faceted responsibilities of the school counsellor places demanding expectations on their time.   As a result, time management skills become vital and time-limited counselling methods that utilise strengths and concentrate on the future become necessary tools of the profession (Lines, 2006).   This method encompasses several methods including the solution-focused therapy which emphasises client-strengths and short-term treatment. There are several positive features of this model that make it successful in the school context. The most prominent advantage is the client-centered strength-based approach it takes to developing the skills to handle problems (Franklin, Kelly & Kim, 2008).   Harrison (2007) describes the five steps to solution focused therapy.   These are:

1.   Enabling the student to identify the problem.

2.   Enabling the student to identify desired changes or coping goals to solve the problem.

3.   Encouraging the student to use prior experience to recall success with a similar problem.

4.   Encouraging the student to focus on their own strengths and achievements to fix their problem.

5.   Assisting the student to develop...