Start Strong, Stay Strong:
The Summer That Changes Everything
Learn the 3-Step Approach That Cuts Repeat Student Visits in Half
Begin July 16th with foundational training, enter September with confidence, and finish December as a Certified Solution Focused School Counselor, winning back 6+ hours every week.
Start Strong,
Stay Strong...
The Summer That Changes Everything
Learn the 3-Step Approach That Cuts Repeat Student Visits in Half
Begin July 16th with foundational training, enter September with confidence, and finish December as a Certified Solution Focused School Counselor, winning back 6+ hours every week.
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 Storm of Timing
You're on "break" but your mind isn't.
Even now, in the quiet of summer, you're thinking about...
September's inevitable chaos starting all over again
The same students who'll walk through your door with the same problems
Whether you can survive another year of repeat visits taking up at least 15 hours a week
That sinking feeling that nothing will change
But what if you could enter the new school year completely transformed?
What if September Felt Like a Fresh Start Instead of Groundhog Day?
July-August
Build Your Foundation
Master the solution-focused framework before the chaos begins
September-November
Apply with Confidence
Use your new skills immediately while getting ongoing support
December
Celebrate Your Transformation
Graduate as a Certified Solution Focused School Counselor with proven results
This isn't summer professional development - it's a 6-month journey that transforms 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 dread September because you know it means another year of the same overwhelming cycle."
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 dread September because you know it means another year of the same overwhelming cycle."
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 Transformation Journey
PHASE 1
Summer Foundation
Master the 3-step solution-focused framework while you have mental space to absorb new concepts.
Session 1:1
Solution Focused Constructs
July 16, 2025
3 hours
Session 1:2
Applications to Common Student Concerns
July 30, 2025
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.
August 20, 2025
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.
September 24, 2025
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.
October 15, 2025
2 hours
PHASE 3
Advanced Mastery
Develop advanced programming skills and present your transformation project.
Session 5:1
Developing Small Groups
November 12, 2025
3 hours
Session 5:2
Application of Strategies in Meetings and Other School Programs
December 3, 2025
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.
December 17, 2025
3 hours
Sessions will start at 5pm Central Time
(3pm Pacific, 4pm Mountain, 6pm Eastern)
LIVE on Zoom
Enter September with confidence, navigate the school year with new tools, and finish December as a Certified Solution Focused School Counselor
Why Starting in July is Your Strategic Advantage
Most counselors wait until they're drowning to look for a life preserver. You're smarter than that. You're using summer's calm to prepare for September's storm.
July-August
Learn the framework when your mind is clear
September
Enter the school year with confidence instead of dread
October-November
Apply techniques while getting expert support
December
Celebrate a transformed practice and official certification
You're not just surviving the school year - you're mastering it.
🙅🏻♀️
"But I don't want to commit to something during the school year..."
That's exactly why this works so well.
Summer foundation when you have mental space
Real-world practice when you need it most
Ongoing support during the challenging months
All sessions recorded if you miss one due to school demands
🙋🏽♀️
"What if I get too busy once school starts?"
We planned for that. The program is designed around the school calendar:
Heaviest learning happens in July-August
Practice sessions are only 2 hours each
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. Change takes time, and we support you through:
Initial learning curve in July & August
First attempts in September
Refinement in October-November
Mastery by December
You're never alone on this journey.
You're not adding stress to your school year - you're adding support.
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 December, we'll refund your entire investment.
Limited Time: Summer Enrollment Closes Soon
Be among the first in the world 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!
$997
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.
This site is not a part of the Facebook, YouTube, Google, or LinkedIn websites. Additionally, this website is NOT endorsed by Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, or Google in any way. Facebook is a trademark of Meta Platforms, Inc. YOUTUBE is a trademark of Google LLC. LinkedIN is a trademark of LinkedIn Corporation, owned by Microsoft.
Solution Focused Schools Unlimited LLC is owned by Dr Linda Metcalf - a former middle school teacher, all-level school counselor, licensed professional counselor supervisor, and licensed marriage and family therapist in the State of Texas. She is a Professor at Texas Wesleyan University and Chair of the Graduate Counseling Programs.
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.
Website and digital marketing solutions powered by Inbound LeadPro