For courses in School Counseling. Published in collaboration with the American Counseling Association, this book presents solution-focused techniques designed to resolve common school problems in an efficient and responsive manner. Complete with cases, practice exercises, troubleshooting tips, and strategies, John Murphy shows readers how to reframe situations from "what is wrong to what is working" and emphasizes a practical, research-based approach for improving disruptive classroom behavior, failing grades, school violence, truancy and more. It acknowledges the time constraints, caseloads, and various environments present in school counseling situations, and consistently demonstrates how to use small changes and the client's own strengths to quickly lead to positive outcomes.
John J. Murphy, PhD, is an internationally recognized author, trainer, and practitioner of client-directed, strength-based approaches with children, adolescents, families, and school problems. He taught high school before receiving a Ph.D. in school psychology. John spent 13 years as a full time school psychologist in Covington (KY) Public Schools before accepting a faculty appointment at the University of Central Arkansas, where he continues to work regularly with young people, families, and schools. Lessons learned from clients and families have bolstered John's faith in people's ability to improve their lives against great odds when they are treated with dignity and respect, and when their unique strengths and resources are applied toward solutions. His unwavering belief in people's ability to change, and in the power of the helping process, is central to his client-driven, solution-focused approach to difficult problems and the people who experience them.
John was named by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) as one of the top five school psychologists in the United States in 1993, and received the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Writer of the Year Award for his book, "Solution-Focused Counseling in Schools" (2008). He also authored (with Barry Duncan) the book, "Brief Intervention for School Problems" (2007), along with numerous articles and book chapters on positive approaches to school problems. John's therapeutic work and writings are frequently cited in academic and trade resources, including "Fast Company" and the New York Times' bestseller "Switch". He is also one of 12 therapists featured in the acclaimed videotape training series, "Child Therapy with the Experts." John is popular workshop presenter who has trained and consulted with thousands of counselors, psychologists, teachers, and others throughout the world. His passion for helping young people and caregivers change in dignified ways is central to his writings and workshops. You can contact John or learn more about his writings, workshops, and research at: www.drjohnmurphy.com
