I began my pursuit of training and education in the field of clinical mental health.  This gave me a vast background in multicultural, person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused counseling approaches.  After entering the schools I quickly narrowed my scope to a solution-focused approach.  This approach includes the common beliefs of helping students understand their goals and motivations, searching for solutions, and highlighting strengths through looking towards solutions rather than dwelling on the presenting issue.  I have found children tremendously relate to Disney movie's and characters, which coincidentally connects on the themes of seeking dreams and finding hope.  For example, Cinderella is a character who identifies that by working hard and dreaming of what she truly wants, she can achieve her happily ever after. This positive message affects the entire climate of the school by basing the atmosphere on the strengths of students. Expressing the possibility of change enables students to feel empowered and encouraged to take actions that make a difference. Through highlighting the positive instances in a students’ career or familial relationship, these changes may occur in steps, ripples, or leaps. In the end, schools with a solution-focus equip their students to follow and discover how to realistically achieve their dreams  

 

In summary, while working with students I have narrowed my theoretical orientation to a solution-focused approach while integrating person-centered and mindfulness techniques.  This person-centered approach includes the common beliefs of helping students understand their goals and motivations, searching for solutions, and highlighting strengths through looking towards solutions rather than dwelling on the presenting issue.