Keynote 5

Saturday, May 16th 2019

Jacob Pronk Hall

09:15 – 09:45

Being Effective and Being Solution-Focused: One and the Same?

John Murphy

USA

PhD – Licensed Psychologist – Professor of Psychology, University of Central Arkansas

Studies of helping professionals suggest that the most effective practitioners share certain characteristics regardless of their particular theoretical orientation or approach. This plenary clarifies the attributes and actions of effective helpers, and encourages participants to consider the implications of this information for their growth and journey as solution-focused practitioners. The session is guided by two questions about helping people change and move forward in their lives: (1) What does it mean to be effective (what are the key qualities and actions of the most effective practitioners)? (2) What does it mean to be solution focused (what are the key qualities and actions of solution focused practitioners)? These questions prompt others, such as: How closely do the answers to questions 1 and 2 match each other? What can we do to further enhance our effectiveness for those we serve? Participants are invited to describe specific ways they can apply information from this session toward achieving their best hopes as solution-focused practitioners.

1. Participants will learn about key qualities and actions that distinguish top-performing practitioners from others.

2. Participants will learn about key qualities and actions that distinguish solution focused practitioners from others.

John Murphy, Licensed Psychologist and Professor at the University of Central Arkansas (USA), is a former high school teacher and internationally recognized practitioner, author, and trainer of client-directed, solution-focused practice. He was formerly named by NASP as one of the top five school psychologists in the US, and continues to consult with agencies throughout the world. His books have been translated into many languages, including the popular Solution-Focused Counseling in Schools. He spends most of his professional time implementing and promoting client-directed, solution-focused services for marginalized persons of all ages and circumstances.

(X) Presentation program with projection (PowerPoint, Prezi)

(X) Live demonstration (maybe, time permitting)

(X) Showing video excerpts

(X) Exercise, actively involving the participants

(X) Questions and answers

(X) Therapy/counselling/coaching/social work/mental health

(X) Groups/teamwork

(X) Education/school

(X) Psychiatry

(X) Training/teaching the solution-focused approach