Workshop Descriptions

Level 1: Solution-Focused Strategies

Learn: the difference between problem-focused and solution-focused questions; 7 key solution-focused interviewing skills; 9 types of solution-focused homework tasks; and how to shift any meeting to solutions. You must take Level 1 prior to other workshops. Exception: Intensives

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Level 2: SF with Unmotivated Clients

Learn how to : involve “unmotivated”, mandated or involuntary clients, students or patients; achieve results with chronic, multiple-problem situations; and positively deal with set-backs or relapse.

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Level 3: SF with Serious Problems

Learn how to apply the SF model to a wide variety of problems including: suicide, grief, loss, bullying, domestic violence, bullying, peer problems, relationship breakdown. Case examples are adjusted to your training needs.

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Level 4: Consultation & Skill Development

Do you want an opportunity to get input regarding “tough” cases?” Need a chance to practice SF skills? Want to be rejuvenated? Come prepared to discuss cases, practice skills, and obtain new ideas from the SF world. Consultation and supervision available by phone/webcam/teleconference.

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Vision Boards : Powerful Tools for Goal-Setting

When you tell your brain what you want. it creates new patterns and connections towards your goals. Neurologists call this the science of “ neuroplasticity”. Learn how to use vision boards to help children/ adults/yourself set and maintain goals. This one-day workshop is fun and transforming.

Summer Intensives: Osoyoos Lakeside Resort

Relax on the beach, visit local vineyards, have a vacation in the amazing Okanagan Valley.

SFC with Children and Youth

Involve children in solution-building; deal with bullying, anger management, violent behaviour, loss, peer conflict, family issues, and behaviour problems.

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SFC with Crisis, Suicide and Loss

Elicit hope; deal with threats of self-harm; build upon “reasons for living ”; help people deal with loss or past trauma; and SF crisis-intervention.

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NEW! SF with School and Classroom Problems

Truancy, bullying, classroom management, behavioural problems, academic issues, at-risk-youth, working with parents, and the WOWW project.

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NEW! SF Conflict Resolution

Deal with parent/teen conflict; diffuse conflict in a meeting; peer conflict; integrate SF skills in mediation, restorative justice and peer-support programs.

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NEW! Intensives: Penticton Lakeside Resort

Relax on the beach, visit local vineyards, have a vacation in this amazing place. See schedule for Fall and Summer dates.

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New! Solutions Within™: Life Success Coaching Program

Are you in a life transition? Unsatisfied with your work but not sure where to go from here? Want to start your own business but don't know how to begin? Want to achieve a dream that you have always put on hold?

Create the life you really want to live! Benefit from being part of a success team!
Contact us for more information.

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SFI with Mental and Physical Illness

This workshop is a must for health care professionals and other counsellors who work with clients affected by mental or physical illness.

Learn how to:

work with diabetes and other forms of chronic illness; chronic pain; mental illness; threats of self-harm;
motivate patients in their self-management of chronic illness
elicit hope

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Solution-Focused Strategies for Health Care Professionals™

The solution-focused model is useful for a wide range of problems including working with the elderly, physical disabilities, illness, chronic pain, mental health issues, substance abuse and other clinical problems. No matter what your role, or your setting, you will benefit from this workshop.

Learn how to:

Do single session counselling
Work with difficult clients
Motivate clients to make lifestyle changes
Generate hope in hopeless situations

Audience : Physicians, social workers, home care staff, community health nurses, nutritionists, dieticians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, outreach nurses, diabetes and other health care educators.

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Working with Child Protection Clients

Caseworkers and supervisors are faced with tough situations and decisions. The clients are typically characterized as resistant and unmotivated. This workshop is for supervisors and front line workers.

You will learn how to:

Engage clients through the use of skilful questioning
Use solution-focused strategies when abuse is denied or minimized
Assess for "signs of safety" as well as for signs of risk
Negotiate achievable treatment plans

This workshop was conducted as a series of workshops for Child Welfare workers and supervisors in Alberta. It was so highly rated that the Department renewed the series for a second year.

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Working with Substance Abuse

Many inpatient and outpatient settings have documented the effectiveness of this approach with substance abuse and other forms of addictions. It is also being incorporated in out-reach programs to reach pregnant women who are at risk of harming their unborn child with the use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs.

Learn how to:

Build motivation
Listen for the "hidden customer" for change
Deal with mandated clients
Keep up your own morale!

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Working with Couples and Families

Involving family members is one of the most significant things you can do to enhance treatment success. Learn how to do this even when the family member isn't physically present. You can bring people into the room with your questions. I have even utilized the memory of dead relatives to help clients make changes in their lives.

Learn how to:

Do family therapy with one person
Conduct solution-focused family and couple sessions
Take charge of the interview
Interrupt destructive patterns
Involve children and youth

Audience : This workshop can be tailored to meet the needs of beginning counsellors who want to increase their confidence in working with more than one person at a time. This can also be an advanced session, incorporating ideas from reflecting teams, the narrative model, and solution-focused therapy.

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Solution-Focused Groups

This workshop examines the use of the solution-focused approach in anger management groups with children and adolescents; parenting groups; counselling groups for children and adolescents; support groups; survivors of sexual abuse groups; dealing with illness; inpatient and outpatient groups for mental health clients, and for domestic violence.

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SFC with Chronic Illness, Grief and Loss

This workshop is a must for health care professionals and other counsellors who work with clients affected by illness and loss. Learn how the solution-focused model has made a difference in diabetes education, nutrition counselling, chronic pain, public health nursing and patient self-management of chronic illness.

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SFC with Couples and Families

Learn how to structure the interview; deal with conflict; negotiate achievable goals; deal with unresolved issues; and resolve impasses.

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See Dates and Locations for more information.

Group Supervision for Skill Development

Many of you have expressed an interest in receiving supervision in solution-focused interviewing. This group is for applicants who are working towards certification or for those who want to enhance their solution-focused skills.

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See Dates and Locations for more information.