Monday Ideas for School Counselors | Ideas on how to use the solution focused approach

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Monday Ideas for School Counselors

Weekly articles for school counselors with ideas on how to resolve typical school situations with students, teachers and parents using the solution focused approach.

The Noticing Project: Week 4 - Noticing Successes

Week 4 of The Noticing Project: seek out students who no longer need you and ask what helped. They didn't just stop coming—they started becoming. ...more

Exception Seeking

April 13, 2026•3 min read

The Noticing Project: Week 3 - Watch What Happens

Week 3 of The Noticing Project: repeat what you notice, watch identity form, and send it home. Small messages build powerful bridges between school and family. ...more

Exception Seeking

April 06, 2026•1 min read

The Noticing Project: Week 2 - Just Say It

Week 2 of The Noticing Project: saying out loud what you see in students builds identity and changes how they see themselves. One moment, one student at a time. ...more

Exception Seeking

March 30, 2026•2 min read

The Noticing Project: Week 1 - Just Begin

Introducing The Noticing Project: a simple weekly experiment that starts with just noticing the students we don't usually connect with. Week 1 of a new series. ...more

Exception Seeking

March 23, 2026•2 min read

Take a Break from the Problem

When students are too stuck to answer "What are your best hopes?" try externalizing the problem. A blend of narrative and solution-focused therapy that works. ...more

Exception Seeking

March 09, 2026•3 min read

Need a Shortcut for Creating Change?

Exceptions are not accidents, they're clues. Discover how seeking moments when problems are less intense can create powerful change for students and restore hope. ...more

Exception Seeking

February 09, 2026•1 min read

One Question at a Time

You don't need 45 minutes or a quiet office to be solution-focused. Just one curious question can shift the conversation from problem to possibility. ...more

Exception Seeking

January 19, 2026•2 min read

When the Problem Isn’t the Whole Picture

A reminder that a child's diagnoses aren't the whole story. Look for exceptions and strengths - small routines and supports that become the roadmap for lasting change. ...more

Exception Seeking

December 01, 2025•1 min read

The Magic of Asking Different Questions

Discover how asking different questions can transform "difficult" students by helping them see their own exceptions and possibilities for change. ...more

Exception Seeking

November 03, 2025•3 min read

Need Solutions? Look at the Flip Side

Discover how to uncover students' hidden strengths beyond their problems. Learn the flip side approach that transforms challenging students. ...more

Exception Seeking

September 22, 2025•1 min read

Wizards of What’s Working: A School Counselor Tribute

Celebrate school counselors - the unsung heroes who guide with heart, spotlight strengths, and cast quiet magic through every “what’s working?” they ask. ...more

Exception Seeking

May 12, 2025•1 min read

Itchy Times: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Stuck in the same cycles with students, parents, and conflicts? Learn how a solution-focused mindset can transform frustrating interactions into opportunities for growth. ...more

Exception Seeking

February 10, 2025•2 min read

When in Doubt, Count the Exceptions

When challenges arise, look to the exceptions. Discover how focusing on past successes can reveal the steps to solutions, making your work easier and empowering students to succeed. ...more

Exception Seeking

October 28, 2024•2 min read

A Fool Proof Exercise to Identify EXCEPTIONS!

Discover a light and engaging activity to help students identify and expand upon moments of success, encouraging a solutions-focused approach to overcoming challenges. ...more

Exception Seeking

April 01, 2024•2 min read