Kahn’s (2000) article on solution-focused consultation was refreshing to read. We have been learning a great deal about the solution-focused counseling techniques in our theory and practice classes. It was interesting to read how a solution-focused approach to consultation can be used because it involves more than just a one-on-one counseling relationship. Kahn (2000) noted that using such an approach can be difficult because it needs to take both the consultee and the client into consideration when searching for possible solutions to a problem (p. 249). However, I felt that the article did a nice job of outlining the steps that counselors can take to use these techniques throughout their consultations with teachers, administrators, parents, and other key stakeholders within a school. After our discussions in class on collaboration and consultation; it appears that consultation will be important in our roles as school counselors. It also appears that consultation can be tricky at times and is a delicate process that needs to be taken seriously and performed in a professional manner. It’s delicate because it may be met with resistance from teachers and other stakeholders; especially if they feel that the student is the one with the problem that needs to be changed. After reading Kahn’s (2000) article and Dollarhide and Saginak’s (2012) chapter on collaboration and consultation; I feel that school counselors may be easily taken advantage of in a consulting relationship. If teachers continually come to counselors with a student “problem” and the counselor uses as Dollarhide and Saginak (2012) explained a doctor-patient model (p. 180); those teachers may never take any responsibility for the problem. This may lead to a cyclical relationship where the teacher or administrator passes on problems for the counselor to solve. It seems that solution-focused consultation is a way to combat these issues. Kahn (2000) mentions an important step that is crucial in establishing solution-focused consultation is orientating teachers, administrators, parents, and other staff members on the techniques behind the approach (p. 250). This is important because consultees will have an idea of the process before it even begins. They can know what to expect when they are going to see the counselor for consultation. I also feel that focusing on possible solutions instead of focusing on the problems gives an overall sense of hope and may alleviate some of the feelings of frustration on both the consultee and consultant; along with alleviating some of the pressure that counselors may feel about consultation.
As I was reading this article and the chapter; I was drawn back to my experiences at work and how we work with our outside consultants. They come in twice a month to offer solutions to certain issues such as problem behaviors, data collection, and how certain programs are running. I think this would be consultee-centered administrative consultation since the consultants “enter the system, diagnose the problem, make recommendations, and monitor the success of efforts to facilitate change” (Dollarhide & Saginak, 2012, p. 178). I have found similarities between my current job and solution-focused consultation techniques that Kahn (2000) discussed in the article. Solution-focused seeks out solutions instead of focusing on the problem. At work, we are constantly trying to create replacement behaviors (solutions) instead of focusing on the current problem behavior. I would say that this technique works most of the time. One of the most important components of this consulting relationship is the collaborative effort on the part of our staff and the consultation team. Without it; efforts would be met with little to no success. It is definitely a process that takes time and by no means happens over night. This is most likely similar to the consultation process in counseling. Overall, I enjoyed reading the chapter and article on consultation and collaboration. Solution-focused techniques offer a refreshing approach to the consultation process, and I look forward to using these techniques as a school counselor in the future.
Dollarhide, C. T., & Saginak, K. A. (2012). Comprehensive school counseling programs. (2nd ed.). New York: Pearson, Inc.
Kahn, B. B. (2000). A model of solution-focused consultation for school counselors. Professional School Counseling, 3(4), 248-254.
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