Become the Counselor You've Always Wanted to Be

The Mid-Year Professional Development That Changes Everything

Learn the 3-Step Approach That Cuts Repeat Student Visits in Half

Start January 14th with foundational training, apply immediately with real students, and finish June as a Certified Solution Focused School Counselor, winning back 6+ hours every week while ending the school year stronger than you started.

Become the Counselor You've Always Wanted to Be

The Mid-Year Professional Development That Changes Everything

Learn the 3-Step Approach That Cuts Repeat Student Visits in Half

Start January 14th with foundational training, apply immediately with real students, and finish June as a Certified Solution Focused School Counselor, winning back 6+ hours every week while ending the school year stronger than you started.

30+ years of proven results

Created by Dr Linda Metcalf

Trusted by educators worldwide

30+ years of proven results | Created by Dr Linda Metcalf | Trusted by educators worldwide

The Perfect Time for Professional Growth

You're in the thick of the school year, but your mind is already thinking ahead...

  • The same students with the same issues, week after week

  • Another semester of repeat visits consuming 15+ hours weekly

  • That nagging feeling there's a better way to help these kids

  • Knowing you became a counselor to make a difference, not manage crises

But what if you could finish this school year as a completely different counselor?

Make This Spring Feel Like Professional Mastery Instead of Survival Mode

January-February

Build Your Foundation

Master the solution-focused framework while you have the mental space to learn

March-May

Apply with Confidence

Use your new skills immediately with real students while getting ongoing support

June

Celebrate Your Transformation

Graduate as a Certified Solution Focused School Counselor and plan your best year yet

This isn't just professional professional development - it's a 6-month journey that changes how you work with students forever.

Meet Your Mentor - Dr. Linda Metcalf

"I've been where you are. I know what it's like to hit mid-year and realize you're still stuck in the same patterns that aren't serving you or your students."

For 30 years, Dr. Linda Metcalf has been the pioneer who transformed solution-focused therapy into a practical school counseling approach. She's the author of 11 books, has trained thousands of educators worldwide, and created the only comprehensive certification program for solution-focused school counseling.

  • Professor & Chair of Graduate Counseling Programs, Texas Wesleyan University

  • Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor & Marriage & Family Therapist

  • TEDx Speaker & International Training Expert

  • Consultant to schools achieving 80% graduation rates with at-risk populations

Linda's Personal Mission

Help every school counselor discover that students already have the solutions - they just need someone who knows how to help them find them.

Meet Your Mentor -

Dr. Linda Metcalf

"I've been where you are. I know what it's like to hit mid-year and realize you're still stuck in the same patterns that aren't serving you or your students."

For 30 years, Dr. Linda Metcalf has been the pioneer who transformed solution-focused therapy into a practical school counseling approach. She's the author of 11 books, has trained thousands of educators worldwide, and created the only comprehensive certification program for solution-focused school counseling.

  • Professor & Chair of Graduate Counseling Programs, Texas Wesleyan University

  • Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor & Marriage & Family Therapist

  • TEDx Speaker & International Training Expert

  • Consultant to schools achieving 80% graduation rates with at-risk populations

Linda's Personal Mission

Help every school counselor discover that students already have the solutions - they just need someone who knows how to help them find them.

CURRICULUM & PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Your 6-Month Professional Enhancement Journey

PHASE 1

Foundation Building

Master the 3-step solution-focused framework while building your expertise systematically.

Session 1:1

Solution Focused Constructs

January 14, 2026

3 Hours

Session 1:2

Applications to Common Student Concerns

January 28, 2026

3 Hours

PHASE 2

Real-World Application

Apply your skills with actual students while receiving ongoing support and feedback from Dr. Linda Metcalf.

SESSION 2

SF Application & Practice I

Participants share experiences using the solution-focused approach and practice advanced role plays. The focus is on applying techniques to real school scenarios.

February 25, 2026

2 Hours

SESSION 3

SF Application & Practice II

Participants present their own cases and receive targeted feedback using an evaluation rubric. Emphasis is on refining techniques and aligning with the conversation model.

March 25, 2026

2 Hours

SESSION 4

SF Application & Practice III

Participants present additional cases and receive further feedback. This session builds confidence and sharpens skills for consistent, effective use of the approach.

April 22, 2026

2 Hours

PHASE 3

Advanced Mastery

Develop advanced programming skills and present your transformation project.

Session 5:1

Developing Small Groups

May 13, 2026

3 Hours

Session 5:2

Application of Strategies in Meetings & Other School Programs

May 27, 2026

3 Hours

SESSION 6

Solution Focused Project Presentation

Participants present their school-based projects, grounded in a needs assessment. This capstone highlights their mastery of the solution-focused approach and provides final feedback.

June 10, 2026

3 Hours

Sessions will start at 5pm Central Time
(3pm Pacific, 4pm Mountain, 6pm Eastern)

LIVE on Zoom

Start January with focused learning, apply immediately with real students, and finish June as a Certified Solution Focused School Counselor ready for your best year yet.

Why Starting in January is Your Strategic Advantage

Most counselors wait until summer break to address their professional development needs. You're smarter than that. You're using mid-year momentum to enhance your skills while you can see immediate results.

January-February

Learn the framework while you're actively counseling

March-April

Apply techniques immediately and see real-time results

May-June

Refine your mastery while finishing the year strong

Summer

Plan your best year yet as a Certified Solution Focused School Counselor

You're not just surviving the school year - you're mastering it.

🙅🏻‍♀️

"But I don't want to add more to my plate mid-year..."

That's exactly why this works so well.

  • Foundation building which you can apply immediately

  • Real-world practice with actual students you're already seeing

  • Ongoing support during the most challenging months

  • All sessions recorded if you miss one due to school demands

🙋🏽‍♀️

"What if I get overwhelmed with everything else going on?"

We planned for that. The program is designed for working counselors:

  • Learning happens in manageable
    2-3 hour sessions

  • Practice sessions focus on students you're already working with

  • Everything is recorded for your convenience

  • Community support when you need encouragement

🤷🏾‍♂️

"But what if the techniques don't work right away?"

That's why we give you 6 months. Skill development takes time, and we support you through:

  • Initial learning curve in January-February

  • First applications in March-April

  • Refinement in May-June

  • Mastery by summer planning season

You're not adding stress to your school year - you're adding the skills that reduce it.

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Recently Certified Counselors Say About the Program

"Before joining, I was honestly on the verge of burnout. Now, I come to work with renewed energy and joy. What shifted for me was the mindset. If you’re on the fence, I can say with full confidence: this program is absolutely worth it."

Joe Pendleton, Behavior Interventionist,

Wildwood Elementary

"We're not just putting out fires anymore. It's truly transformed the way we approach difficulties, making our school a more positive and resilient environment. Our students come in with a more of a glow than they did in the past."

Jennifer Young, School Counselor,

Waco High School

"I now work with people in a much more time efficient way... time is priceless for us. If you're looking for something to help give you more time back, I encourage you to look at this certification program. It will help you tremendously."

Renee Janes, Elementary School Counselor,

Hall County School District

"I took the six-month program and it was fantastic.

Dr. Metcalf made learning accessible and engaging. The classes were interactive and practical, allowing us to participate in case discussions and apply the three solution-focused steps."

Mindy Kao, Mental Health Care Coordinator,

Honolulu Family Guidance Center

"The Certification Program helped me develop a more effective questioning technique. I always looked forward to the group meetings because the discussions were so rich! Dr. Metcalf created an engaging, warm, safe atmosphere for students to share and receive input from one another. It really was an awesome learning experience for me. I hated for the program to end.”

Stephanie Spriner-Threets, School Counselor,

James Bowie High School

You have nothing to lose except the stress, overwhelm, and Sunday night anxiety.

We're so confident this 6-month journey will transform your practice that we offer a complete satisfaction guarantee.

If you don't see a significant reduction in repeat visits by the end of the program in June, we'll refund your entire investment.

Limited Enrollment: Become the Counselor You've Always Wanted to Be

Join an exclusive group to become recognized as a Certified Solution Focused School Counselor, and reclaim 6+ hours every week by cutting repeat student visits in half... without drowning in the same conversations with the same students over and over again!

Payment Plan available at $179/month x6.

We accept Purchase Orders from Schools and Districts.

What you get when you enroll for the Solution Focused School Counseling Certification Program?

Led by a Global Expert

8 Live Training Sessions

  • Led by Dr Linda Metcalf

  • Complete 3-step solution-focused framework

  • Real-world practice with personalized feedback

Resources & Community

Resources & Community

  • Recordings of all sessions

  • Documents & Templates

  • Digital copy of Counseling Toward Solutions

  • Lifetime access to all materials

  • Online community with like-minded counselors

Recognized Certification

Recognized Certification

  • Be among the first in the world

  • Earn 22 CEUs towards annual PD

  • Increase your professional value

MORE TESTIMONIALS

What Other Counselors Say About SF and Dr Linda Metcalf

I learned about SF two decades too late! It’s the only logical approach for School Counselors to use in a school setting with the caseloads we have.

Marisa Gates | Bill Young Middle School, CA

My life and counsellor practice has been transformed since starting with the SF approach in 2017.  Amazing to see the heroes inside come to life!!

Madie | South Africa

Dr. Metcalf’s training is practical, collaborative, insightful, and applicable. I’ve been applying the strategies very effectively in my career as a school counselor.

Arlene Bonilla, MSSC, LPC-I

The training and resources I’ve received from Dr. Metcalf have helped me build a solution focused dynamic within our school.

Felina Heart | American International School, Budapest

SF is life changing and can apply in every situation! Classrooms, students, teachers, and support staff can transform themselves, their schools, and their personal lives with SF!

Randi F | Jacksboro HS, Texas

Adopting the Solution Focused approach has helped me tremendously to change my approach in the school setting. Empowering students through their choices has been a huge addition to my school counseling tool kit!

Susan Simms | Blackfoot High School, Idaho

Using this approach, kids are happier - focusing on what to do to solve problems, instead of focusing on the problem. I am more calm and happier knowing that we are coming up with solutions that will work for them.

Carol Cave | Westover Elementary School, Silver Spring, MD

Linda's training style helped me feel like I was part of the learning process, rather than feeling like I was being lectured to.

Caleb Smith | Morehead Elementary School, North Carolina

STILL NOT SURE?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the curriculum, and how is it structured?

The curriculum is spread across 8 sessions and covers foundational principles of solution-focused counseling, hands-on practice, and real-world applications. Each session focuses on building specific skills, such as using solution-focused techniques with students, parents, and teachers, managing challenging behaviors, and applying strategies in school programming (e.g., RTI, MTSS). There are opportunities for role-play, feedback, and project presentations.

What is the time commitment for each session, and what happens if I miss one?

Sessions are typically either 2 or 3 hours online, with a mix of live training, practice, and discussion. If you miss a live session, you’ll have access to recorded materials and can review them at your convenience. Participation in live practice sessions is required for real-time feedback, but you can still catch up by watching recordings and completing any related assignments.

What makes this certification unique compared to other professional development options?

This program is led by Dr. Linda Metcalf, a global pioneer in solution-focused school counseling, and offers practical, research-backed strategies tailored specifically for school settings. Unlike other trainings, this program emphasizes real-world application through role plays, case studies, and project work. Participants gain the skills to implement solution-focused practices with students, teachers, and parents, making it uniquely effective in addressing the specific challenges school counselors face.

What are the career benefits and professional recognition of this certification?

This certificate program will enhance your professional credibility by positioning you as a solution-focused expert in your school and district. You’ll gain skills to handle high caseloads, manage complex student needs, and lead solution-focused initiatives, making you a valuable asset to any educational institution. This can open doors for leadership roles and further professional development opportunities.

How does the payment plan work, and what are the options for Purchase Orders?

The program is priced at $997. There is a payment plan option of $179/month over 6 months, to make the cost more manageable. Schools and organizations can also pay via Purchase Order. If you need additional information on setting up a Purchase Order, look for the link below the enrollment button.

Will I receive ongoing support and resources after completing the certification?

Yes, you’ll have continued access to program resources, including a library of solution-focused counseling materials, training videos, and the option to join ongoing mentorship sessions. This support ensures you can continue refining your skills and stay connected with other certified professionals for networking and shared learning.

Need to discuss your participation in the Certification Program?

Ask us anything.

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Solution Focused Schools Unlimited LLC is owned by Dr Linda Metcalf - a former middle school teacher, all-level school counselor, licensed professional counselor, and licensed marriage and family therapist in the State of Texas. She is a Professor of Graduate Counseling Programs at Texas Wesleyan University.

Solution Focused Schools Unlimited will never share or sell your personal information, and all data gathered from this site strictly conforms to global data protection regulations.

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