Many schools and communities have been challenged with re-engaging students who are struggling with going to school, staying in school or arriving to school on time. Self-imposed absences impact the overall success and well being of these young people. Solution-focused conversations are extremely effective in re-engaging students. This past week, I had the pleasure of teaching Solution Focused Brief Therapy to both mental health practitioners and school staff, to help them in supporting students who present with school refusal. I was very warmly welcomed by Samantha Scott at Healthy Minds for Shore in Salisbury Maryland, and Rachel Moore at the University of Salisbury Centre for Community, who prioritize working collaboratively as they provide professional learning opportunities that embrace the needs of their young people. I was so warmly welcomed by a wonderful group of participants who dedicated their time to learning, sharing and practising skills that make an immediate difference to our youth in crisis.
I was especially moved by the diagrams and responses to an exercise where participants pretended to be elementary and secondary school students, as they brainstormed creating a machine that could get them back to school. Their verbal descriptions were incredible, highlighting the ability we all have to envision doing things differently and better, to support what we want for ourselves. I’ve included a few of these drawings here.
With the holiday season upon us, let’s take a few moments to envision how we can do things differently or better, to support what we want for ourselves in the new year.
All the best for a joyful and restful holiday, and a happy and healthy new year!
