Brief Intervention for School Problems: Collaborating for Practical Solutions [Hardcover]

John J. Murphy PhD (Author), Barry L. Duncan PsyD (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1572301740 | ISBN-13: 978-1572301740 | Publication Date: February 7, 1997

This book draws on the authors' decades of research and extensive hands-on experience to present proven strategies for resolving school problems. Incorporating the latest findings on psychotherapy outcomes, the authors provide a practical blueprint for collaborative, client-directed brief intervention that empowers students, parents and teachers to make and maintain positive changes. Extensive case examples guide readers through the interview and intervention process and clearly illustrate the authors' efficient, innovative, and flexible approach.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It has been said that common sense is not so common. Murphy and Duncan provide a refreshingly practical orientation toward interventions for the diverse problems faced daily by school practitioners." --Alex Thomas, Ph.D., Director, School Psychology Program, Miami University

"The book is the best, straightforward, practical approach to the solution of school problems that I have ever read. The strategies described in the book are very user-friendly, easy to understand and implement. It has helped ease the burden of too many students, not enough time, and all of the other constraints faced by school counselors in the 90s. By using the simple, 'what works,' I have increased my effectiveness, and forged a stronger bond with students, parents, and staff. These strategies truly help students move gracefully toward improvement, with a deep sense of pride and ownership. 'What works' really does work in the real world." --Barbara A. Murdock, certified guidance counselor, Boone County High School, Florence, KY

About the Author

John J. Murphy, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling at the University of Central Arkansas, and a licensed school psychologist. His work experience includes two years as a high school teacher and 13 years as a full-time school psychologist in an urban setting. Dr. Murphy was named Kentucky School Psychologist of the Year in 1992, and was one of five finalists for the 1993 National School Psychologist of the Year Award. The author of several articles and book chapters as well as two books, Dr. Murphy is frequently invited to conduct training workshops around the country for school psychologists, counselors, teachers, and administrators.

Barry L. Duncan, Psy.D. is a psychologist with over 14,000 hours experience with people in distress. He is currently Visiting Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University, is in private practice in Port St. Lucie, and frequently provides training to therapists of all disciplines across the country. Dr. Duncan has published over 40 articles, chapters, and reviews, as well as 6 books. Most recently, he co-authored with Scott Miller and Mark Hubble, Handbook of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (Jossey-Bass, 1996), Escape From Babel (Norton, 1997), and Psychotherapy With Impossible Cases(Norton, 1997).

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 175 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press (February 7, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572301740
• ISBN-13: 978-1572301740
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #423,848 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brief Intervention for School Problems: Collaborating for P, October 6, 2000

By 

Lisa M. Fellows (Homer, AK United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brief Intervention for School Problems: Collaborating for Practical Solutions (Hardcover)

As a student looking to become a high school guidance counselor, I found this to be one of the best texts from both a practical and educational point of view.

It focuses on the real issue of counseling, how to meet the needs of the client. Each explanation is backed by popular theories, yet the focus remains solution based.

The key to the book is how to be a catalyst in change utilizing the client's perspective of the problem. The authors have done a wonderful job of explaining the school practitioner's role as a catalyst, or an instrument of change.

Too often, I believe counselors try to fit the client into a preconceived box of neurosis. In fact, this book counters that train of thought and shows the reader how to address the client's problem as a unique opportunity to enable the client to find his/her own solution.

I highly recommend this book to students, practicing counselors, parents and teachers.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, clear and inspirational., September 22, 2000

By 

I. G. Rees "Ioan G Rees Phd" (Sycol) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brief Intervention for School Problems: Collaborating for Practical Solutions (Hardcover)

If you work with children and adolescents and also wish to apply solution-focused thinking to the school context you must read this book. Each page offers highly practical and clear to understand ideas. Incredibly, I would say that it appeals equally to the novice and experienced solution-focused worker. Excellent indeed. Furthermore, John Murphy's workshop presentation, based on the content of the book, is an unmissable experience, worth attending.