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Solution Focused Schools Unlimited

Solution Focused Schools Unlimited

By Linda Metcalf M.Ed, Ph.D.

Learn about the solution focused approach as it applies to every situation in every school. From classroom management, RTI and team meetings, parent conferences, student behavior or mental health concerns, this approach and process will guide every educator and counselor into a land of possibilities. In that land, students, teachers and parents generate their own solutions as educators provide a context where those solutions are discovered.
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Self Care for Everyone

Solution Focused Schools UnlimitedNov 04, 2020

00:00
15:29
Helping Teachers Show their Humanity! A Solution Focused Classroom Management Approach that Works!

Helping Teachers Show their Humanity! A Solution Focused Classroom Management Approach that Works!

Teachers often mistake control for being firm and stern and when that doesn't work, they become firmer and, more stern. Frustrated, they ask for help from administrators or counselors, who often tell them to do the exact same thing they were doing before.

What's a teacher to do then?

Enter the solution focused approach to classroom management, where teachers share their concerns and personal feelings about wanting to teach their students WITH their students. This podcast will assist you, your teachers or administrators with a dramatically different approach that calls upon students for help in achieving a classroom where learning is possible.

For more information on Solution Focused Schools Unlimited, visit https://solutionfocusedschool.com where you will find many free resources and upcoming trainings that can take you directly into solution focused land! If you are interested in more on the book, Counseling Toward Solutions, 3rd printing, you can purchase the book here: https://www.routledge.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-A-Practical-Solution-Focused-Program-for-Working/Metcalf/p/book/9780367640903

Join Linda Metcalf in her free bi-monthly SF Connection live webinars and meet school counselors and social workers from around the world who are learning the approach and using it every day.


Jan 22, 202418:39
Get Straight to the Solution! Two Case Studies that Helped Students Succeed
Oct 16, 202319:02
The Solution Focused Teacher: Get Your Power Back!

The Solution Focused Teacher: Get Your Power Back!

In this first podcast of a new series, "The Solution Focused Teacher," learn about a new approach that can help you get your power back in your classroom. Whether you teach kindergarten or twelfth grade, whether you are an academic coach, administrator or special education teacher, the ideas in this podcast are aimed at one goal...to help you get your power back. Once you grow your power, your classroom will transform into a more respectful, motivating climate.

This podcast series will introduce a very different approach that is part of a "solution focused mindset." This initial podcast describes that mindset by describing how a twelfth grade teacher dealt with a disruptive student who tried everything to upset her. Listen as the teacher comes up with new ways of dealing with the student that did not include consequences! Listen as I describe how she created her own solution, which she then tried successfullly.

I would love to hear from you! Email me at lmetcalf62@gmail.com with situations or topics for future podcasts. This podcast series is yours and to make it yours, I want to cover what you need. May the solution force be with you.

Linda Metcalf, M.Ed., Ph.D.

Solution Focused Schools Unlimited, LLC


email: lmetcalf62@gmail.com

website: https://solutionfocusedschool.com


Sep 04, 202325:14
Get the Solution Focused School Counseling Mindset NOW!

Get the Solution Focused School Counseling Mindset NOW!

The school year has started and so have the requests. This podcast introduces the solution focused approach as a mindset, not just strategies to try out. Listen to how the author recognized the importance of engaging students differently, as a teacher, and then later as a school counselor. The podcast will share the three steps of the solution focused approach and bring to life what those steps do for the school client (student, teacher or parent). From there, each step is explained and examples given. You will leave this podcast with steps to try out that will restore hope in your job as a school counselor and leave you less stressed and more excited than you have been in a while. Listen, enjoy and practice!


Get the book, Counseling Toward Solutions at Routledge: https://www.routledge.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-A-Practical-Solution-Focused-Program-for-Working/Metcalf/p/book/9780367640903

Check out the Solution Focused Schools Unlimited website: https://solutionfocusedschool.com


Sep 02, 202325:30
Finding Sherlock!  3 Ways to Shrink School Violence Now

Finding Sherlock! 3 Ways to Shrink School Violence Now

This episode takes a different approach in conceptualizing how to keep students safe in a world of uncertainties. You will learn three ways that do not cost money, do not require a change of school policy and yet, incorporate every single staff member and students into a process that anyone can learn. Listen, as I share how the solution focused mindset can engage the "scary" student and pave the way for that student to feel important to the school. Learn how to re-engage students once they return from a suspension, conjuring up strategies together with an administrator to NOT be suspended in the future. From simple words that every teacher can use to de-escalate a situation to ideas that share the responsibility of safety, this podcast is unique and offers a glimpse into finding the miracle we are all looking for.

For free resources and a view of upcoming events from Solution Focused Schools Unlimited go to: https://solutionfocusedschool.com

To email Linda Metcalf: lmetcalf62@gmail.com


Apr 05, 202322:19
 Bypassing Resistance and Finding Successes Everywhere!

Bypassing Resistance and Finding Successes Everywhere!

This podcast will cover 3 constructs that contribute to the solution focused mindset.  The ripple effect, the ideas that resistance can be conquered through a mindset and ways to talk to frustrated teachers are just some of the ideas covered in this podcast. Whether your job is as a school counselor, administrator or teacher, in this podcast, you will hear stories that bring to life what it is like to be an educator who sees past problems and into the eyes of experts in front of you.  Website for more free resources and events:  https://solutionfocusedschool.com Professional Development inquiries:  lmetcalf62@gmail.com Routledge.com


Feb 27, 202320:29
Becoming Tinkerbell: Transform Resistance, Reluctance and Frustration into Possibilities
Feb 06, 202325:27
Need a Miracle? Create a Miracle Worker Team!

Need a Miracle? Create a Miracle Worker Team!

This podcast will share how to create a Miracle Worker team, (MW)composed of teachers who learn the solution focused process and work as consultants to fellow teachers and their students together to build solutions. It is ideal for school counselors and administrators who have students constantly referred to them for misbehavior or disrespect.  The MW team takes those referrals instead, talking for 20 minutes to both teacher and student, creating a "preferred future" where they both describe what each person would be doing.  Since it involves both teacher and student, it is more efficient and the chances of a return referral decreases dramatically.

For information on more free  resources, visit https://solutionfocusedschool.com


Jan 03, 202315:58
Solution Building Made Easy- How to start off the school year well and work less!
Aug 26, 202219:42
Engage or Disengage? What is our purpose?

Engage or Disengage? What is our purpose?

This unique podcast was created after I witnessed a disturbing situation in a classroom. Recording the podcast in my car afterwards, I share ideas on how to help teachers who take actions that can disengage students who desperately need engagement. Listen as I provide ideas from the 3 solution focused steps that can assist you in reaching teachers of concern.
Apr 17, 202219:34
Planning for Next Year? Make it Easy! Let Your Students and Staff Lead the Way.

Planning for Next Year? Make it Easy! Let Your Students and Staff Lead the Way.

It’s time to review what we did and plan for next year. That goes for school counselors, teachers, administrators and…students. This podcast will share the importance of not doing it alone! Instead, by asking the right questions you may have the planning done for you.
Mar 31, 202219:17
Inside the Mindset- a tour of basic ideas and applications to school situations

Inside the Mindset- a tour of basic ideas and applications to school situations

The solution focused approach is not about technique or strategies. It is much more than that. it is about how we think of people- our mindset. This podcast provides 4 mindset beliefs of the solution focused approach and describes a case of a student who is in an administrator’s office facing suspension. Additionally, a case involving a teacher who just wants advice about a disruptive student is addressed. Seeing the expert in every school client can instigate results like these- it just takes a mindset.
Jan 26, 202228:36
Let’s End School Violence with a New Mindset
Dec 12, 202118:32
How to Create Solutions from Exceptions
Nov 12, 202115:24
Harvesting Success with Teams and Team Players
Sep 06, 202115:10
Want Motivated, Passionate Students? Give Them a Purpose.
Aug 06, 202113:23
Give Students a Voice! Planning Academic or Behavioral Strategies Together With Students: A collaborative podcast with Cheryl Kretz

Give Students a Voice! Planning Academic or Behavioral Strategies Together With Students: A collaborative podcast with Cheryl Kretz

Every day, in schools around the world, educators construct strategies  for student problems with the purpose of helping their students to succeed. It is an admirable task that sometimes ends with frustration, when the strategies, created in isolation from the student,  fail to work.  Yet, by simply including the students in all of the meetings that affect them, the student has an opportunity to share what might be helpful to increase success.  Whether it is a team meeting, RTI or parent conference, including students in the conversation can serve several purposes:

 1.  The students' voice becomes a source of information for strategies that are more likely to succeed. 

 2.  The student and teachers engage and are focused on the same goal. 

 3.  Relationships change between the student and teacher, resulting in different interactions. 

After many years of going to home campuses to meet with her private clients at school, Dr. Metcalf reports a 98% success rate for student improvements, academic and behavioral when students were with  her in meetings with all of the student's teachers.  This podcast with share how it is done.  Get ready to alter your meetings for Fall 2021!

Link for new copy of Counseling Toward Solutions: https://www.routledge.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-A-Practical-Solution-Focused-Program-for-Working/Metcalf/p/book/9780367640903



Jun 29, 202142:23
It’s Re-Entry Time- A Special Podcast for Going Back to School

It’s Re-Entry Time- A Special Podcast for Going Back to School

Our students are returning this fall after seventeen months away. How we greet them will impact how they re-enter the classroom environment and settle back into school. This podcast will provide ideas for developing a plan for re-entry using the solution focused mindset. Get ready to brainstorm your unique plan and greet your students back to class. The solution focused mindset will make the difference for students and for you!
May 02, 202115:36
Pack Your Bags! We Are Almost at the Finish Line

Pack Your Bags! We Are Almost at the Finish Line

The school year is coming to a close. You have worked diligently to be at your best. How do you hope the last few weeks go, so your students recall your time with them as exceptional? This podcast will simply serve to remind you of the power you have to impact others in a great way, by being at your very best. Get ready for some visual insight in this podcast, designed to commend you on your diligence and remarkable abilities.
Mar 31, 202117:02
The Wonder of Wonderfullnesses

The Wonder of Wonderfullnesses

Parents often come in upset about their child/teen and have concerns and complaints that can veer you toward problem focused land. By inquiring about their child/teen’s wonderfulnesses the conversation will get you on the path to solutions and improve the parent-child relationship in the process. This podcast will provide steps for you, too, so you discover the wonderfulnesses that you possess as well. This podcast was inspired by the book, Narrative Therapy in Wonderland: Connecting with Children’s Imaginative Know How- Norton Publishers (2016) Epston, Marsten and Markham. Visit solutionfocusedschool.com for more resources on becoming a solution focused educator!

Feb 12, 202118:31
Becoming a solution focused genius
Jan 13, 202120:05
Solution Focused +Narrative Therapy=More Possibilities Ahead!
Dec 17, 202013:41
Self Care for Everyone
Nov 04, 202015:29
Engaging the Disengaged Student
Oct 13, 202014:05
Special Edition! Hear details about the Virtual Solution Focused School Conference Oct 2-3-4. It's almost here!
Aug 27, 202013:16
Back to school we go and...we know what to do...we've done it before!
Aug 18, 202009:35
Ok, but can the solution focused approach work with this? YES!

Ok, but can the solution focused approach work with this? YES!

When people learn about the solution focused approach and begin to apply it to certain situations at schools, they still get stuck at times when situations outside of their comfort zone arrive at their door.  Well, its the solution focused approach to the rescue again!  No matter the dilemma, no matter the issue, (outside, of course, of basic needs, but even then...) the three steps of the solution focused process can assist you in having a productive conversation of solution building. 

This segment will explain how to see requests from people as best hopes. It will share a scenario about a group of educators who had learned the approach then, once the training ended, wondered how to implement it.  Voila, the solution focused approach helped them with implementation, just following the three steps.   

If you like what you hear, visit metcalfconsulting.org for more resources.  

May the solution force be with you...in all that you do.



Jul 09, 202011:54
Pushing the Hope Re-Set Button
Jun 05, 202012:55
How to Talk So Parents Will Listen and How to Listen So Parents Will Talk!

How to Talk So Parents Will Listen and How to Listen So Parents Will Talk!

This podcast gives a case from the forthcoming 2nd edition of Parenting Toward Solutions- a book written for parents that gives them the chance to use the solution focused approach in their parenting. Listeners will hear questions to ask to empower parents and facilitate conversations so that parents learn how to build solutions as unique as their children.
May 26, 202015:04
Finding Relief from Grief and Loss

Finding Relief from Grief and Loss

This episode includes ideas, developed from the article by Michael White, “Saying hullo again: The incorporation of the lost relationship in the resolution of grief (1988).” A mention of a clip from Finding Neverland, a movie, provides a nice way of explaining the act of keeping loved ones close after their passing. Questions to ask students, teachers and other adults virtually or in person are included so that the listener has a guide to this new way of comforting people dealing with grief.
May 14, 202017:44
The Rise of The Resistant Student and Ways to Get Around the Resistance!

The Rise of The Resistant Student and Ways to Get Around the Resistance!

Whether you do virtual counseling or face to face, students who are not engaged are challenging. This podcast takes a look at what Maslow said about self-actualization and the incredible need that we all have, especially some of our students, to feel a part of something. Learn some new ways of thinking about the resistant student  that can give you one more try to reach that student who seems distant and resistant.

May 02, 202014:02
So, where did my life go? Creating an alternative story during challenges

So, where did my life go? Creating an alternative story during challenges

This episode talks about disappointments and sad situations that intrude in students’ lives. While recorded during the Pandemic, the steps shared can be used any time. The use of narrative therapy and the idea of externalizing problems is covered with examples of questions to ask.
Apr 21, 202016:18
The expert within you: Pushing through the pandemic

The expert within you: Pushing through the pandemic

This episode describes qualities that can ultimately help us work with students, clients, teachers and parents as we are challenged by the pandemic. Listen for solution focused questions throughout that can help you recognize your expertise and the expertise of those you work with. There is always an expert- we just have to focus enough to see the expert inside each of us.
Apr 07, 202030:50
Getting Fit in a Time of Crisis

Getting Fit in a Time of Crisis

When crises occur, most people panic and reach out to others for assistance in adapting to change. This episode takes the solution focused approach and demonstrates how it can be adapted to working with anyone dealing with a critical situation. The ideas here can be used with individuals, families, groups and debriefing situations. To purchase Counseling Toward Solutions, 3rd edition, go to: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=counseling+towards+solutions&qid=1585171174&sprefix=counseling+toward&sr=8-1
Mar 25, 202022:03
Got Test Anxiety? Ask a Student for Help!

Got Test Anxiety? Ask a Student for Help!

This episode focuses on how students can generate their own strategies for eliminating test anxiety and other challenges through the solution focused process. It also goes over typical ways schools attempt to help students succeed during test season and invites schools to carefully examine strategies that have worked before. Purchase Counseling Toward Solutions at https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=counseling+toward+solutions&qid=1583782296&sprefix=counseling+toward++solutions&sr=8-3
Mar 09, 202011:17
Administrator Relief! How to lessen your load and improve student behavior

Administrator Relief! How to lessen your load and improve student behavior

This episode shares some information about using the solution focused approach to decrease student suspensions and misbehaviors. Steps to take are included that honor policies but add a different strategy to dealing with students of concern. Order the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=counseling+towards+solutions&qid=1582646777&sprefix=counseling+towar&sr=8-1
Feb 25, 202012:55
Too many referrals and not enough time? Try this!

Too many referrals and not enough time? Try this!

Counselors and staff often see the same students and teachers and hear from the same parents. Learn two steps to follow to lessen the number of referrals and increase student and teacher competency. To purchase the book, Counseling Toward Solutions, click here:: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=counseling+toward+solutions&qid=1582420502&sprefix=counselinf+toward+&sr=8-3
Feb 16, 202009:48
Watch out! Successes on the way!

Watch out! Successes on the way!

This episode describes a case that led to the development of a systemic intervention that the author developed. The intervention increases the success of students, teachers and parents as they try out new strategies for success. To order the book, Counseling Toward Solutions, click below: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=counseling+toward+solutions&qid=1582420502&sprefix=counselinf+toward+&sr=8-3
Feb 05, 202010:54
Make it Brief- 3 steps to a solution focused conversation

Make it Brief- 3 steps to a solution focused conversation

Learn 3 steps to use in conversations with school clients (students, teachers and parents) to help create a preferred future of where success becomes a possibility. Getting tons of forms to use in the book, Counseling Toward Solutions! Click here to see the book: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=counseling+toward+solutions&qid=1582420502&sprefix=counselinf+toward+&sr=8-3
Jan 30, 202012:46
It Takes a Miracle

It Takes a Miracle

Using the miracle question takes time and patience. This episode explains how to use it with elementary and secondary students. For more questions and guides check out The book, Counseling Toward Solutions here: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=counseling+toward+solutions&qid=1582420502&sprefix=counselinf+toward+&sr=8-3
Jan 25, 202010:10
It’s a Mindset

It’s a Mindset

The solution focused approach is not about certain questions to ask or strategies to construct- its a mindset. This episode touches on how to get into that mindset by always watching out for exceptions and seeing students with a new lens. For a complete guide to the SF mindset in schools, check out the book, Counseling Toward Solutions here: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=counseling+toward+solutions&qid=1582420502&sprefix=counselinf+toward+&sr=8-3
Jan 25, 202008:49
If it works...

If it works...

An introduction to thinking differently about students using a solution focused lens. Includes a true case study. For a complete overview of the solution focused approach in schools, check out the book, Counseling Toward Solutions here: https://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Toward-Solutions-Practical-Solution-Focused/dp/1727576810/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=counseling+toward+solutions&qid=1582420502&sprefix=counselinf+toward+&sr=8-3
Jan 23, 202006:37