Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Microskills

Microskills in Solution Focused Brief Therapy enhances the confidence and capability of the participants by finely tuning the use of the elegant SF questions. SFBT Part 1 and 2 teaches a basic framework for the first and session sessions. This module enhances the use of the questions to expand and explore the client’s world, thinking and experience even deeper. The ability to build on the questions and know what to ask next is enhanced.

Participants will be introduced to current thinking and research on Microanalysis and it’s relevance to the therapeutic dialogue. Microanalysis is the study of how co-construction occurs in the minute-by-minute dialogue and the rationale behind why we choose certain words and how we select information and ask certain questions. It provides an important foundation for how SF is unique and different from other approaches.

The format includes a handout paired with powerpoint slides, sharing information, small group discussions and practice.

Certification Pathway

If you’re interested in earning certification, Foundations 1 and 2 can be applied. What remains is the Supervision +Assessment+Self study = 14 hrs

Certification: “Certified Solution Focused Practitioner”

Requirements, Total 50 hrs

1. Module 1: Foundations 1, (12 hrs)
2. Module 2: Foundations 2, (12 hrs)
3. Module 3: Microskills in SF, (12 hrs)
4. Supervision (3 hrs)+Assessment (1 hr) +Self study (10 hrs)

**Upon successful completion of the full 50 hours, participants will earn: "Certified Solution Focused Practitioner” certification, from Academy of Solution Focused Training, Accredited by IASTI.

Audience

The relevance of this course extends to anyone involved in the care, education, support and services for students in the educational environment: learning support staff; counselors; administration, etc. This course not only teaches specific skills used in a counseling setting, it also shares a philosophy and mindset that creates a cohesive approach that can be embodied throughout the school environment, that maximizes the academic and social-emotional growth of students. The core SF mindset is based on mutual respect, collaboration and belief in the competence and ability of each person.

ISCA Student Standards

This course will support you in providing strategies for your students to be able to:

1. Raise awareness in themselves and their social environment by exploring attitudes and behaviors to manage and cope successfully (Competency SE: A1: 1-13)
2. Process and explore relationship issues as they emerge to enhance the student’s ability to manage them effectively (Competency SE: A2: 1 - 8)
3. Increase their confidence in working through challenging situations and be able to resolve them independently or know when to seek outside support (SE: B1, 1 – 6)
4. Raise awareness regarding signs of safety and risky situations regarding self and others and be able to openly discuss and process (SE: C1: 2-10)
5. Identify, discuss and process attitudes and behaviors that create challenges related to cultural issues (GP: A1:9)

ASCA Professional Standards and Ethical Standards and Practices

This course is aligned to the following school counselor standards and competencies:

1. This course supports the Mindsets and beliefs represented in M 1 – 7 which are in alignment with the SF Core Assumptions taught in this course
2. This course is aligned with the Behaviors demonstrated in by the following by addressing these areas during the course:
3. 1. B-PF 1: Apply development learning, counseling and educational theories
   2. B-PF 4: Apply school counseling standards and competencies
   3. B-PG 6: Demonstrates understanding of cultural, social and environmental influences.
   4. B-SS 3: Provide short-term counselling in small group and individual settings
   5. B-SS 4: Make appropriate referrals
   6. B-SS 6: Collaborate with families, teachers, etc

Essential Questions

1. How do you know what questions to ask in a counseling session?
2. What are the guiding principles?
3. How do you know which client words or narrative to respond to?
4. How do you decide what questions to ask next?
5. What is important to highlight and what is important to overlook?
6. What are the assumptions you hold that impact how you view your clients?

Participants will have knowledge about:

1. The basics of Microanalysis research and its relevance to counselors
2. The rationale behind how solution focused counselors select information and the questions they ask.
3. How our assumptions about our clients impact the outcome
4. The importance of tuning our listening to support the client’s desired narrative

Participants will be able to:

1. Understand key ideas from Microanalysis research
2. Select client words and their narrative that support what is wanted
3. Listen with the ‘third ear”
4. Be confident while staying in the ‘not-knowing’ space
5. Build capability and self-efficacy in student by trusting in the process and the student
6. Add to their “SF Took Kit”
7. Finely tune and expand the art of asking questions
8. Maintain a ‘not-knowing’ stance in the service of the client

Joe Cannon, M.A., MSFC, MSFT, PCC, USA

Joe Cannon brings doctoral-level training in psychology to a practice that integrates mind–body coaching, counseling, and leadership development through a Solution Focused lens.

In his private practice as a Life and Fitness Coach, Joe works with individuals, couples, and families. He serves as a Director, Associate Trainer, Supervisor, and Mentor Coach with the Academy of Solution Focused Training in its accredited coach-training programs, and is also an Associate Trainer with Kirsten Dierolf’s Solutions Academy in their ACTP programs.

Joe’s professional background spans a wide range of counseling and mental-health roles. Trained at the doctoral level in psychology, he has worked as a Psychological Examiner, Marriage and Family Therapist, and individual counselor across private, community, and faith-based settings. His experience includes work with substance abusers, juvenile offenders, and adults with severe and persistent mental illness. He previously managed a halfway house supporting clients as they transitioned to independent living.

A Certified Master Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Joe also brings a lifelong commitment to physical fitness. He is an instructor in Shuri Ryu Okinawan Karate and is trained in multiple bodywork modalities, including Thai Medical Massage, Soft Tissue Release, and Reiki.

Joe is a Master Solution Focused Practitioner with IASTI and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

ISCA Member Price: $460

Non-Member Price: $540

Dates and times of offerings

1. Option 5: March 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2026 @12:00PM to 3:00PM UTC (3 hours each day)

Contact Hours: 12 hours

Time commitment between sessions: 1 hour

Required Resource(s):

Recommended Reading

1. Introduction to Microanalysis, Dr. Janet Bevelas & Peter De Jong
2. Inbetween: Not inside nor outside, Dr. Mark McKergow & Dr. Harry Korman
3. The Common Project, Dr. Harry Korman