I. Basic Solution-Focused Therapist Training Classes/Workshops (No Prerequisites Required);

Solution-Focused Basics Overview (0.5 day, 3.75 CE Hours):

This abbreviated class gives an overview of Solution-Focused Thinking. The focus of this training is on understanding the tenets and philosophy developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg and on recognizing the key interventions. Participants will be able to understand how they can use this different way of thinking about problems and solutions. This is the ideal training for those who want to continue using their current treatment modalities, but would like to incorporate solution-focused ideas and interventions.

Upon completion of this course, therapists and other clinical professionals will be able to:

1. Recognize the unique aspects of solution-focused philosophy and differentiate it from problem-focused models.
2. Identify three concrete tools that would be most effective in their work setting that they can immediately begin using with clients.
3. Verbalize the effective use of the three tools they identify in number two above.

Instructor: Teri Pichot, LCSW, MAC, LAC

Dates Offered:

1. April 26, 2024 (8:30-12:30) This Class Date is Online
2. Sept 20, 2024 (8:30-12:30) This Class Date is Online
3. Nov 15, 2024 (8:30-12:30) This Class Date is Online

Methods:

1. Demonstrations: The instructor will demonstrate the purposeful use of solution-focused interventions. She will demonstrate how these interventions are used in a way that has the necessary clinical depth to effectively help the clients work toward their goals.
2. Role Plays: Participants will work with each other with the guidance of the instructor to practice the concepts discussed.
3. Discussions: The instructor and participants will engage in meaningful conversations to explore what is working in the participants’ practice and to explore what will be different when the participants are even more effective with their clients.

If you want to pay by check, click here to download a registration form, fill it out, and mail it to us.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy 101 (1 day, 6.5 CE Hours):

This class is specifically designed for therapists, clinical case managers, and other clinical staff, and it offers all the basic information about Solution-Focused Brief Therapy as well as gives specific examples throughout the day regarding how this approach works with mental health disorders, including substance dependence and misuse. The focus of this training is on gaining the knowledge through discussions and other didactic methods and on seeing the approach in action through demonstrations. This is the ideal class for those who want to really understand what SFBT is and how it works with complex problems.

Upon completion of this course, therapists and other clinical professionals will be able to:

1. Recognize the unique aspects of solution-focused philosophy and differentiate it from problem-focused models.
2. Understand why SFBT is effective with a variety of acute and chronic mental health problems.
3. Identify five concrete tools that would be most effective in their work setting that they can immediately begin using with clients.
4. Verbalize the effective use of the five tools they identify in number three above.

Instructor: Teri Pichot, LCSW, MAC, LAC

Dates Offered:

1. April 19, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online
2. Nov. 11, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online

Methods:

1. Demonstrations: The instructor will demonstrate the purposeful use of solution-focused interventions. She will demonstrate how these interventions are used in a way that has the necessary clinical depth to effectively help the clients work toward their goals.
2. Role Plays: Participants will work with each other with the guidance of the instructor to practice the concepts discussed.
3. Discussions: The instructor and participants will engage in meaningful conversations to explore what is working in the participants’ practice and to explore what will be different when the participants are even more effective with their clients.

Click here to download a registration form to fill out and mail in if paying by check

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Basics (2 day, 13 CE Hours):

This course is designed to teach therapists and other clinical staff Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) as it was originally developed by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer. Therapists will understand how this approach is unique from other models, will learn the six SFBT interventions, and will practice these skills in a supervised setting. This course is specifically designed to ensure clinical professionals can leave the classroom and effectively implement these skills with clients.

Upon completion of this course, therapists and other clinical professionals will be able to:

1. Recognize the unique aspects of solution-focused philosophy and differentiate it from problem-focused models.
2. Describe the six solution-focused interventions and the purpose of each.
3. Identify five concrete tools that would be most effective in their work setting that they can immediately begin using with clients.
4. Demonstrate the effective use of the five tools they identify in number three above.

Instructor: Teri Pichot, LCSW, MAC, LAC

Dates Offered:

1. April 8 & 9, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online - FULL
2. June 10 & 11, 2024 (8:30-4:30) Littleton Training Center
3. Aug. 19 & 20, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online
4. Oct. 22 & 23, 2024 (8:30-4:30) Littleton Training Center
5. Dec. 9 & 10, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online

Methods:

1. Demonstrations: The instructor will demonstrate the purposeful use of solution-focused interventions. She will demonstrate how these interventions are used in a way that has the necessary clinical depth to effectively help the clients work toward their goals.
2. Role Plays: Participants will work with each other with the guidance of the instructor to practice the concepts discussed.
3. Discussions: The instructor and participants will engage in meaningful conversations to explore what is working in the participants’ practice and to explore what will be different when the participants are even more effective with their clients.

Click here to download a registration form to fill out and mail in if paying by check

Solution-Focused Animal-Assisted Brief Therapy (1 day, 6.5 CE Hours):

This course is designed to introduce therapists and other clinical staff to the concept of the human-animal bond and teach how animal-related conversations and interactions can help create positive change in their clients. Clinical professionals will understand how the physiological and psychological changes that an animal’s presence (including the thought of a family pet) brings can be used in motivating, calming, and teaching clients. Professionals will learn how to incorporate their clients’ family pets into conversations and homework assignments that will bring the concepts to life. Standards of practice for training and using a therapy dog in client sessions will be reviewed as well.

Upon completion of this course, therapists and other clinical staff will be able to:

1. Recognize the client traits that would make the client likely to benefit from animal-related interventions in the clinical setting.
2. Describe five physiological and/or psychological benefits animals can have on humans.
3. Identify three ways in which animal-assisted conversations and interventions would be most effective in their work setting.
4. Gain the ability to effectively implement the strategies identified in number three above with their clients.

Instructor: Teri Pichot, LCSW, MAC, LAC

Dates Offered:

1. Dec. 16, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online

Methods:

1. Demonstrations: The instructor will demonstrate the purposeful use of solution-focused interventions. She will demonstrate how these interventions are used in a way that has the necessary clinical depth to effectively help the clients work toward their goals.
2. Role Plays: Participants will work with each other with the guidance of the instructor to practice the concepts discussed.
3. Discussions: The instructor and participants will engage in meaningful conversations to explore what is working in the participants’ practice and to explore what will be different when the participants are even more effective with their clients.

Click here to download a registration form to fill out and mail in if paying by check

II. Topic Specific Solution-Focused Therapist Training Classes/Workshops (No Prerequisites Required, but Might be Helpful) Learn Solution-Focused Techniques:

Using Solution-Focused Thinking to Help Clients Cope with Grief/Loss – (0.5 day, 3.75 CE Hours):

This course is designed to introduce therapists, clinical case managers, and other clinical staff to solution-focused thinking as it was originally developed by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer and teach them how to use these principles to effectively engage and help clients who are dealing with loss and grief. Clinical professionals will learn to identify signs of grief and gain the ability to effectively use questions and other solution-focused interventions to assist in the grief process. Therapists and other clinical professionals will learn protective factors and how to use solution-focused thinking to decrease potential long-term effects of grief and loss. This course is specifically designed to ensure clinical professionals can leave the classroom and effectively implement these skills with their clients.

Upon completion of this course, therapists and other clinical professionals will be able to:

1. Recognize the unique aspects of solution-focused philosophy and differentiate it from problem-focused models.
2. Understand how solution-focused thinking can be effectively used with clients in order to increase hope and assist them through the grief process.
3. Identify five concrete tools that would be most effective in their work setting that they can immediately begin to use with their clients to increase hope and assist them through the grief process.

Instructor: Teri Pichot, LCSW, MAC, LAC

Dates Offered:

1. April 26, 2024 (1:30-5:30) This Class Date is Online
2. Sept 20, 2024 (1:30-5:30) This Class Date is Online
3. Nov 15, 2024 (1:30-5:30) This Class Date is Online

Methods:

1. Demonstrations: The instructor will demonstrate the purposeful use of solution-focused interventions. She will demonstrate how these interventions are used in a way that has the necessary clinical depth to effectively help the clients work toward their goals.
2. Role Plays: Participants will work with each other with the guidance of the instructor to practice the concepts discussed.
3. Discussions: The instructor and participants will engage in meaningful conversations to explore what is working in the participants’ practice and to explore what will be different when the participants are even more effective with their clients.

If you want to pay by check, click here to download a registration form, fill it out, and mail it to us.

Protecting Professional Resiliency (AKA Using Solution-Focused Thinking to Prevent Burnout) – (1 day, 6.5 CE Hours):

This course is designed to introduce therapists, clinical case managers, and other clinical staff to solution-focused thinking as it was originally developed by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer and teach them how to use these principles to prevent and reverse professional burnout. Therapists and other clinical professionals will learn to identify signs of professional burnout and stress and develop an “emergency roadside repair kit” to assist them in preventing the potential negative impact. Therapists and other clinical professionals will learn protective factors and how to use solution-focused thinking to decrease and address potential stress in the work place.

Upon completion of this course, therapists and other clinical professionals will be able to:

1. Recognize the unique aspects of solution-focused philosophy and differentiate it from problem-focused models.
2. Recognize the signs of professional burnout and stress.
3. Understand the role of the “emergency roadside repair kit” in preventing and reversing burnout.
4. Gain the ability to use the “emergency roadside repair kit” to prevent and reverse burnout in the workplace.

Instructor: Teri Pichot, LCSW, MAC, LAC

Dates Offered:

1. July 9, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online
2. Oct. 18, 2024 (8:30-4:30) Littleton Training Center

Methods:

1. Demonstrations: The instructor will demonstrate the purposeful use of solution-focused interventions. She will demonstrate how these interventions are used in a way that has the necessary clinical depth to effectively help the clients work toward their goals.
2. Role Plays: Participants will work with each other with the guidance of the instructor to practice the concepts discussed.
3. Discussions: The instructor and participants will engage in meaningful conversations to explore what is working in the participants’ practice and to explore what will be different when the participants are even more effective with their clients.

If you want to pay by check, click here to download a registration form, fill it out, and mail it to us.

Working with Externally Motivated Clients (1 day, 6.5 CE Hours):

This class is specifically designed for therapists, clinical case managers, and other clinical staff, who work with clients who are externally motivated by the courts, child welfare, their parents or partner, or other sources. It provides a solid review of the fundamentals of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy while placing special emphasis on how to engage challenging clients and how to find a common goal. This course is specifically designed to ensure clinical professionals can leave the classroom and effectively implement these skills with challenging clients.

Upon completion of this course, therapists and other clinical professionals will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to think from a system’s perspective and use this perspective to identify a common goal.
2. Demonstrate the ability to hear what is at the client’s heart despite the client’s complaints.
3. Demonstrate the ability to hear clients’ successes despite system complaints.
4. Understand the concept of neutrality and the role it plays when working with externally motivated clients.

Instructor: Teri Pichot, LCSW, MAC, LAC

Dates Offered:

1. Oct. 25, 2024 (8:30-4:30) Littleton Training Center

Methods:

1. Demonstrations: The instructor will demonstrate the purposeful use of solution-focused interventions. She will demonstrate how these interventions are used in a way that has the necessary clinical depth to effectively help the clients work toward their goals.
2. Role Plays: Participants will work with each other with the guidance of the instructor to practice the concepts discussed.
3. Discussions: The instructor and participants will engage in meaningful conversations to explore what is working in the participants’ practice and to explore what will be different when the participants are even more effective with their clients.

Click here to download a registration form to fill out and mail in if paying by check

Solution-Focused Substance Misuse Treatment (1 day, 6.5 CE Hours):

This class is designed for therapists, clinical case managers, and other clinical staff, who work with clients who are misusing substances. It provides a solid review of the fundamentals of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy while placing special emphasis on the unique factors that are in play when working with this population. This course is specifically designed to ensure clinical professionals can leave the classroom and effectively implement these skills with challenging clients.

Upon completion of this course, therapists and other clinical professionals will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to think from a system’s perspective and use this perspective to identify a common goal.
2. Understand how SFBT is different from the commonly used approaches for treating substance misuse and why SFBT is effective with this population.
3. Understand how SFBT views the concepts of “denial” and “resistance” and why this different view is effective with this population.
4. Understand the concept of neutrality and the role it plays when working with substance involved clients.

Instructor: Teri Pichot, LCSW, MAC, LAC

Dates Offered:

1. April 10, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online
2. Nov. 14, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online

Methods:

1. Demonstrations: The instructor will demonstrate the purposeful use of solution-focused interventions. She will demonstrate how these interventions are used in a way that has the necessary clinical depth to effectively help the clients work toward their goals.
2. Role Plays: Participants will work with each other with the guidance of the instructor to practice the concepts discussed.
3. Discussions: The instructor and participants will engage in meaningful conversations to explore what is working in the participants’ practice and to explore what will be different when the participants are even more effective with their clients.

If you want to pay by check, click here to download a registration form, fill it out, and mail it to us.

Solution-Focused Supervision and Management (1 day, 6.5 CE Hours):

This course is designed to introduce clinical and administrative supervisors to solution-focused thinking as it was originally developed by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer and teach them how to use these principles to motivate staff and effectively lead others. Skills will be taught to effectively address challenging work-place behaviors. Basic agency culture and creating team/program safety will also be reviewed. Lastly, paperwork and dealing with governing agencies will be explored.

Upon completion of this course, therapists and other clinical professionals will be able to:

1. Recognize the unique aspects of solution-focused philosophy and differentiate it from problem-focused models.
2. Identify five concrete tools that would be most effective in their work setting that they can immediately begin to use with their supervisees and peers.
3. Verbalize the effective use of the five tools they identify in number two above.

Instructor: Teri Pichot, LCSW, MAC, LAC

Dates Offered:

1. May 31, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online
2. Oct. 24, 2024 (8:30-4:30) Littleton Training Center
3. Dec. 11, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online

Methods:

1. Demonstrations: The instructor will demonstrate the purposeful use of solution-focused interventions. She will demonstrate how these interventions are used in a way that has the necessary clinical depth to effectively help the clients work toward their goals.
2. Role Plays: Participants will work with each other with the guidance of the instructor to practice the concepts discussed.
3. Discussions: The instructor and participants will engage in meaningful conversations to explore what is working in the participants’ practice and to explore what will be different when the participants are even more effective with their clients.

Click here to download a registration form to fill out and mail in if paying by check

Nurturing Professionals in a Challenging Environment (1 day, 6.5 CE Hours): NEW CLASS

This class is designed for supervisors and managers to help them learn to support their staff using Solution-Focused Practice. Many professionals have no idea the emotional toll involved in the helping professions, and are not equipped to manage the stress, client stories, and expectations. This class looks at how subtle shifts in language can have a tremendous shift in the conversations. We look at how to talk about client cases in a way that does not trigger secondary trauma and compassion fatigue. We look at how to help employees create bonds of success with their co-workers rather than trauma bonds. We address how to help young or inexperienced workers manage their emotions while gaining confidence in their skills. Difficult team norms, gossiping, etc. are also addressed.

Upon completion of this course, therapists and other clinical professionals will be able to:

1. Understand the unique aspects of solution-focused thinking and be able to differentiate this model from problem-focused models.
2. Understand how to staff a case using a solution-focused framework.
3. Understand the key factors needed in building a resilient workforce.
4. Be able to identify three tools you can use immediately with workers.

Instructor: Teri Pichot, LCSW, MAC, LAC

Dates Offered:

1. May 30, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online
2. November 13, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online

Methods:

1. Demonstrations: The instructor will demonstrate the purposeful use of solution-focused interventions. She will demonstrate how these interventions are used in a way that has the necessary clinical depth to effectively help the clients work toward their goals.
2. Role Plays: Participants will work with each other with the guidance of the instructor to practice the concepts discussed.
3. Discussions: The instructor and participants will engage in meaningful conversations to explore what is working in the participants’ practice and to explore what will be different when the participants are even more effective with their clients.

If You Want to Pay by Check, click here to download a registration form, fill it out, and mail it to us.

III. Intermediate to Advanced Solution-Focused Therapist Training Classes/Workshops (All Require Prior Attendance of One of the First Three Classes Listed Under the Basic Classes Section or the Equivalent.):

Advanced Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (1 day, 6.5 CE Hours):

This training is recommended for those who have already learned the basics, have been practicing on their own, and now want more in order to fine tune their work with clients. In this unique class, the instructor works with the students to help them identify what is currently working in their practice of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and helps them to identify areas of growth they would like to address. These targeted areas of growth form the agenda for the class. This class is designed to be taken multiple times in a "practice lab" fashion.

Upon completion of this course, therapists and other clinical professionals will be able to:

1. Recognize when the clients’ answers to solution-focused questions are superficial and understand how to effectively intervene to deepen the interventions.
2. Understand the role of balancing Being, Cognition, and Behavior questions in order to achieve clinical depth while asking the Miracle Question.
3. Increase their ability to be purposeful in each solution-focused question.
4. Implement the use of solution-focused interventions to help themselves continue their efforts in mastering SFBT.

Instructor: Teri Pichot, LCSW, MAC, LAC

Dates Offered:

1. May 1, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online
2. June 12, 2024 (8:30-4:30) Littleton Training Center
3. Aug. 21, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online
4. Nov. 12, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online

Methods:

1. Demonstrations: The instructor will demonstrate the purposeful use of solution-focused interventions. She will demonstrate how these interventions are used in a way that has the necessary clinical depth to effectively help the clients work toward their goals.
2. Role Plays: Participants will work with each other with the guidance of the instructor to practice the concepts discussed.
3. Discussions: The instructor and participants will engage in meaningful conversations to explore what is working in the participants’ practice and to explore what will be different when the participants are even more effective with their clients.

If you want to pay by check, click here to download a registration form, fill it out, and mail it to us.

Solution-Focused Group Therapy (1 day, 6.5 CE Hours):

This course is designed to teach therapists and other clinical professionals who have been previously introduced to Solution-Focused Brief Therapy as it was originally developed by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer how to implement this approach within a group setting. How to address group norms and how to find a group theme will also be addressed. This course is specifically designed to ensure clinical professionals can leave the classroom and effectively implement these skills with clients.

Upon completion of this course, therapists and other clinical professionals will be able to:

1. Recognize the unique aspects of solution-focused group and differentiate it from problem-focused group models.
2. Understand the role and function of a group theme.
3. Understand the group skeleton and how it serves as the foundation for effective solution-focused group structure.
4. Recognize five common group norms that undermine group effectiveness and how to intervene.

Instructor: Teri Pichot, LCSW, MAC, LAC

Dates Offered:

1. June 13, 2024 (8:30-4:30) Littleton Training Center
2. Sept. 19, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online
3. Dec. 12, 2024 (8:30-4:30) This Class Date is Online

Methods:

1. Demonstrations: The instructor will demonstrate the purposeful use of solution-focused interventions. She will demonstrate how these interventions are used in a way that has the necessary clinical depth to effectively help the clients work toward their goals.
2. Role Plays: Participants will work with each other with the guidance of the instructor to practice the concepts discussed.
3. Discussions: The instructor and participants will engage in meaningful conversations to explore what is working in the participants’ practice and to explore what will be different when the participants are even more effective with their clients.

If you want to pay by check, click here to download a registration form, fill it out, and mail it to us.

Being Solution-Focused in a Problem-Focused World (0.5 day, 3.75 CE Hours):

This training is recommended for clinical staff who have already learned the basics, have been practicing these concepts on their own, and now want to learn how to work effectively side-by-side with those who continue to use a problem-focused approach. In addition, this training will explore how to “translate” solution-focused work into language auditors and those who review your work can understand so you get the credit you deserve.

Upon completion of this course, therapists and other clinical professionals will be able to:

1. Understand the concept of translating solution-focused work and why this is necessary when using SFBT.
2. Demonstrate the ability to translate solution-focused work so that the work is deemed credible and is understood by the problem-focused world.
3. Identify five tools that can be used to increase credibility when using solution-focused philosophy, thinking, and interventions.
4. Demonstrate the effective use of the five tools they identify in number three above.

Instructor: Teri Pichot, LCSW, MAC, LAC

Dates Offered:

1. Oct. 28, 2024 (1:30-5:30) This Class Date is Online

Methods:

1. Demonstrations: The instructor will demonstrate the purposeful use of solution-focused interventions. She will demonstrate how these interventions are used in a way that has the necessary clinical depth to effectively help the clients work toward their goals.
2. Role Plays: Participants will work with each other with the guidance of the instructor to practice the concepts discussed.
3. Discussions: The instructor and participants will engage in meaningful conversations to explore what is working in the participants’ practice and to explore what will be different when the participants are even more effective with their clients.

If you want to pay by check, click here to download a registration form, fill it out, and mail it to us.

Individual Training Services:

Individual sessions are available for professionals who have already learned the basics and would benefit from private conversations to help them apply these concepts with their clients or within their work setting. These sessions are scheduled at whatever frequency would be helpful and can be done via telephone, Zoom, or in person. We provide these services to professionals who live around the world as a follow-up to our training as well as to enhance learning acquired elsewhere. These services do not qualify for NBCC credit.

Group Support/Consultation Services:

This group for professionals is offered monthly for those who have completed a minimum of 2 days of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy training at the Denver Center for SFBT (or the equivalent training by a solution-focused trainer) or who are actively engaged in individual training services and want supportive services to effectively implement SFBT in their own work. Monthly group consultation for supervisors and managers is also available. These services do not qualify for NBCC credit.

Cancellation Policy:

We must receive your written request to cancel seven business days prior to the course date in order to receive a full refund. All refunds will be less a five percent administrative fee. Cancellations received after seven days will not receive a refund, but a credit will be given to enroll in another training class. No future class credit will be given for "no shows." There are no minimum enrollment limits for any of our classes since we believe some of the best learning can occur in small groups. However, should a class need to be canceled due to instructor illness or weather, you will be given a full refund, or you may enroll in another class. Denver Center for SFBT is only liable for the cost of the class registration fees should a cancellation occur.

Continuing Education:

Denver Center for Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6799. Only in-person class dates qualify for NBCC credit. Online offerings are NOT eligible. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Denver Center for Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. In addition, all classes and individual training services qualify as "Continuing Professional Development" as part of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agency's required Learning Plan for licensed professionals. CEU certificates are awarded following all classes and are available upon request following individual training services. Lastly, if your state requires formal CEUs, we will work with you and provide any information you need in order to receive CEUs in your state. Please let us know what you need in order to receive credit for class attendance.

IASTI:

Denver Center for Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is a member of the International Association of Solution-Focused Teaching Institutes (IASTI). We are now offering the International Solution-Focused Practitioner Certificate. All classes and activities at Denver Center for SFBT count toward this certificate. The certificate, while not a clinical license, reflects basic knowledge, training, and practice in Solution-Focused practice. We are among the first in North America to offer the internationally reciprocal Solution-Focused Practitioner Certificate based on the official standards recently set by IASTI. The member Institutes of IASTI represent training institutes who are committed to high quality training and supervision in the Solution-Focused model, and represent a longstanding tradition in providing Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, coaching, consulting, supervision, and training.

E-mail questions or request more information about our solution-focused therapy training: tpichot@denversolutions.com