Every interaction with a young person who is struggling is an opportunity for change. This highly practical guide helps school practitioners find effective solutions to academic and behavioral problems through brief counseling. It shows how to build on the ideas and resources that students, parents, and teachers bring to the intervention process, within an innovative, research-supported, time-limited framework. Extensive case material illustrates the authors' creative approach to building solutions and "busting problems" by putting clients in the driver's seat. Filled with real-world examples from both elementary and secondary settings, the book presents creative strategies for addressing disciplinary problems, poor academic performance, anxiety, compulsive behaviors, and other common difficulties.

John J. Murphy, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Counseling at the University of Central Arkansas, is a prominent practitioner, author, and trainer of brief therapy and strengths-based approaches with children, adolescents, and school problems. Dr. Murphy is a former public school teacher who previously was named one of the top five school psychologists in the United States. He continues to practice in schools and to train people throughout the United States and overseas. For more information, see www.drjohnmurphy.com.

 

Barry L. Duncan, PsyD, a therapist and trainer with over 17,000 hours of clinical experience, is Co-Director of the Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change. Dr. Duncan has received numerous awards for his contributions to the mental health field. He has authored or coauthored over 100 publications, including 14 books, and has discussed his self-help books on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, and other television programs.