Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for Students Who Are at Risk

Abstract This chapter introduces the application of solution-focused brief therapy techniques with students identified as at risk for leaving school prematurely. The chapter provides a critique of the term “at risk” and describes the type of students that are commonly considered to fall into this category. It goes on to provide a brief history of the use of solution-focused brief therapy in school settings and the research to support its effectiveness. The chapter outlines the solution-focused brief therapy process including the types of questions and skills used in solution-focused brief therapy. A case demonstrates these skills in action and resources for further learning are provided.