Become the Counselor You've Always Wanted to Be
The Summer Intensive That Changes Everything
Learn the 3-Step Approach That Cuts Repeat Student Visits in Half
Experience four intensive days in Austin (July 6-9, 2026) learning the solution-focused approach, visiting Garza High School in person, talking to their teachers and students, and returning as a Certified Solution Focused School Counselor. You will leave with unshakeable confidence in what's possible in your school!
LIMITED ENROLLMENT: ONLY 15 places available
Become the Counselor You've Always Wanted to Be
The Summer Intensive That Changes Everything
Learn the 3-Step Approach That Cuts Repeat Student Visits in Half
Experience four intensive days in Austin (July 6-9, 2026) learning the solution-focused approach, visiting Garza High School in person, talking to their teachers and students, and returning as a Certified Solution Focused School Counselor. You will leave with unshakeable confidence in what's possible in your school!
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 Summer for Professional Transformation
You're planning for next year, but imagine if you could start it as a completely different counselor, instead of...
Another year of the same students with the same problems, week after week
Repeat visits consuming 15+ hours weekly with no lasting change
That nagging feeling there's a better way to reach these kids
Knowing you became a counselor to transform lives, not manage crises
What if you spent four days this July becoming the counselor you've always wanted to be?
What You'll Achieve in Just 4 Days
✅
Cut repeat student visits
in half
No more seeing the same students with the same problems week after week
✅
Reclaim 6+ hours
every week
Time you can invest in meaningful interventions instead of crisis management
✅
Handle challenging behaviors with confidence
Know exactly what to say and do when students are stuck
✅
Engage resistant parents effectively
Turn difficult conversations into collaborative partnerships
✅
End Sunday night anxiety
Look forward to Monday mornings instead of dreading them
✅
Transform from crisis manager to solution builder
Shift from putting out fires to preventing them
✅
Witness it working in real time
See the approach transforming lives at Garza High School
✅
Return with unshakeable confidence
Experience proof that strength-based approaches work
Make This Summer Your Professional Breakthrough
July 6-7
Build the Foundation
Master the solution-focused approach through intensive training, live demonstrations, and hands-on practice with real student scenarios
July 8
Experience Garza High School
Step inside a school where 80% of at-risk students graduate successfully - see the approach creating miracles, and speak to those living it daily
July 9 + July 22
Master Your Implementation
Practice advanced skills, create your school action plan, then present your project and receive official certification
This isn't just professional development - it's a practical transformational experience that changes how you see students, schools, and what's possible
Meet Your Mentor - Dr. Linda Metcalf
"I've been where you are. I know what it's like to wonder if there's really a better way to reach students. That's why I want you to see it for yourself."
For over 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 wonder if there's really a better way to reach students. That's why I want you to see it for yourself."
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.
Why This Summer is Your Strategic Advantage
Most counselors wait for "someday" to transform their practice. You're choosing to experience proof this July and return as the counselor you've always wanted to be.
July Intensive Learning
Experience concentrated transformation in just 4 days instead of months of online sessions
Austin Experience
Connect with like-minded counselors while learning from the pioneer who shaped this approach for schools
Witness Real Results
See the approach working at Garza High School - proof that strength-based methods create lasting change
Return with Confidence
Start your next school year with unshakeable belief in what's possible for your students
You're not just surviving another school year - you're mastering your profession
🙅🏻♀️
"I'm not sure I can justify the time and expense of traveling to Austin..."
Here's how to think about it:
One transformational experience vs. years of frustration
See proof that this approach actually works
Return with skills that save 6+ hours weekly
Investment pays for itself in reduced stress alone
🙋🏽♀️
"I'm skeptical any approach can really cut repeat visits in half?"
That's exactly why we take you to Garza:
See students who were once "frequent flyers" now thriving
Meet counselors using these techniques daily
Witness 80% graduation rates with at-risk students
Experience the proof, don't just hear about it
🤷🏾♂️
"I've tried other approaches before and nothing seems to stick..."
This is different because you'll:
Learn from the pioneer who shaped this approach in schools
See it working in a real school environment
Practice with expert coaching and feedback
Leave with a clear implementation roadmap
You're not taking another workshop - you're experiencing transformation
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Recently Certified Counselors Say About Their Transformation
"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
Limited Enrollment: Experience the Austin Intensive
Join an exclusive group of 15 counselors for four transformational days in Austin, witness the solution-focused approach at Garza High School, and return as a Certified Solution Focused School Counselor.
$1497
$997
Payment Plan available at $179/month x6.
We accept Purchase Orders from Schools and Districts.
You have nothing to lose except the stress, overwhelm, and Sunday night anxiety.
We're so confident this 4-day intensive will transform your practice that we offer a complete satisfaction guarantee. If you don't see a significant reduction in repeat visits within 90 days of completing the program, we'll refund your entire investment.
What you get when you enroll for the Solution Focused School Counseling Certification Program?
Led by a Global Expert
4 Days of Intensive Training
Led by Dr Linda Metcalf in Austin
Complete 3-step solution-focused framework
Exclusive access to Garza High School
Real-world practice with personalized feedback
Resources & Community
Resources & Community
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
Official certification credential
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 program consists of 4 intensive days in Austin (July 6-9, 2026) plus one online completion session (July 22). You'll master solution-focused foundations, practice with real scenarios, visit Garza High School to see the approach in action, and create your implementation plan. The experience includes expert coaching, live demonstrations, and personalized feedback from Dr. Linda Metcalf.
What is the time commitment for each session, and what happens if I miss one?
The program requires 4 consecutive days in Austin (July 6-9, 2026) for the intensive training and Garza High School visit, plus one 3-hour online session on July 22 for project presentations and certification completion. The Austin experience is designed to be fully immersive for maximum impact.
What makes this certification unique compared to other professional development options?
This is the only program that combines intensive solution-focused training with a live school visit where you witness the approach transforming lives daily. You'll see 80% graduation rates with at-risk students, meet the people living this approach, and experience proof that strength-based methods work - not just hear about it.
What are the career benefits and professional recognition of this certification?
You'll be among the first globally to earn this certification, positioning you as a solution-focused expert. The intensive format and Garza experience give you unshakeable confidence and practical skills that immediately impact your effectiveness, making you invaluable to any educational institution.
How does payment work, and what options are there for my school to pay?
The program investment is $997. A payment plan option of $179/month over 6 months is available. Schools, districts or organizations can pay via Purchase Order at the same rate. Click the link below for Purchase Order setup information.
What's included in the price, what is extra?
The program fee covers your training in Austin, visit to Garza High School, all necessary training resources, a final online session, and online support. Transport to and from Austin, and to the training venue, is for your own account. We will arrange transport for the visit to Garza High School. Accommodation is for your own account and we will provide a list of reasonably priced hotels in the vicinity of the training venue. Meals are not included.
Will I receive ongoing support and resources after completing the certification?
Yes, you'll have lifetime access to all program materials, recordings, and resources. You'll also join an exclusive community of certified counselors and have access to ongoing mentorship opportunities to continue your growth.
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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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