Course Fee: $459 (Canadian currency)
This practical, informative and stimulating course is designed to introduce the student to the theory and practice of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. It explores the basic premises of SFBT – which focuses on how to create a better future. That is, it seeks to help the client devise meaningful solutions instead of being bogged down by their problems and concerns.
Specifically, this course will discuss the following: the importance of relationship building; learning to lead from behind; the key elements in solution building; changing abstract ideas into well-formed goals; asking the miracle question; building on clients’ strengths; exploring exceptions; using scaling questions; applying the “EARS” acronym; using SFBT in crisis situations; using SFBT with dyads and groups; as well as solution-focused supervision. Case studies are included to solidify your learning, and reflective exercises help to make it relevant.
There is no prior knowledge or experience required to embark on this certificate course. You are free to commence at a time that suits your schedule – and then continue at your pace for a period of up to six months. Full tutor support is provided for this course.
SYLLABUS
Module 1: Introducing Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Topics Studied
• The importance of relationship building
• Conveying understanding
• The counsellor’s emotional world
• Learning to lead from behind
• The key elements in solution building
• Skills practice
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Outline the importance of relationship building in SFBT.
• Explain what is meant by “learning to lead from behind.”
• Summarise the key elements in solution building.
Module 2: The Beginnings of Solution Building
Topics Studied
• Our first meeting with clients
• Helping clients envision what they want their life to look like
• Changing abstract ideas into well-formed goals
• Some positive effects of encouraging the client to find, and work towards, their own solutions
• What are the advantages of brief therapy?
• Skills practice
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Describe how the counsellor can help the client envisage how he would like his life to be.
• Summarise the process of changing abstract ideas into well-formed goals.
• List some advantages of well-formed goals.
Module 3: The Miracle Question
Topics Studied
• What is the miracle question?
• Variations on the miracle question
• Applying the miracle question
• Some considerations when using the miracle question
• Skills practice
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Describe the miracle question.
• Propose some variations on the miracle question.
• Apply the miracle question.
Module 4: Building on Clients’ Strengths
Topics Studied
• Exceptions
• Scaling questions
• Additional solution-focused questions and techniques
• Formulating feedback
• Skills practice
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Describe what is meant by “exceptions” in solution-focused brief therapy.
• Demonstrate how to use scaling questions.
• List additional solution-focused questions and techniques.
Module 5: Later Sessions and Termination
Topics Studied
• Exploring “what’s better?”
• Applying the “EARS” acronym
• The value of adopting a systemic perspective
• Scaling in later sessions
• Reviewing clients’ goals
• Terminating counselling
• Some final thoughts on setbacks and relapses
• Skills practice
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Outline the importance of exploring “what’s better?”
• Summarise the importance of reviewing clients’ goals.
• Discuss the process involved in deciding when to terminate counselling.
Module 6: Crisis Counselling, and Working with Dyads and Groups
Topics Studied
• Crisis counselling
• Working with dyads and groups
• Solution-focused supervision
• Skills practice
• What have you learned? Reviewing the course
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Apply solution-focused brief therapy to crisis situations.
• Outline some principles for working with dyads and groups.
• Review solution-focused supervision.
Suggested textbook for the course (to be purchased by the student)
De Shazer, S., Dolan, Y., Korman, H., McCollom, E., & Berg, I.K. (2021). More than miracles: The state of the art of solution-focused brief therapy. Abingdon: Routledge.