2023 Solution-Focused Summer Intensive Conference is ONLINE!!


International solution-focused trainer, consultant, author, and therapist, Teri Pichot, and local trainer, author, and therapist, Amanda Bushek, invite you to join them online this summer for an energizing week of learning, collaboration, and networking. This training includes the most recent developments in the evidence-based solution-focused approach as well as timely and frequently requested Solution-Focused Brief Therapy topics. Teri and Amanda bring over 45 years of experience working with some of the most challenging client populations as well as their passion applying SFBT in these often highly regulated settings. Some highlights of this year will be Teri and Amanda’s demonstrating how to use solution-focused techniques in the challenging arena of couples and families, as well as how to use this powerful approach when conflict and a history of violence are present. In addition, we will actively discuss and demonstrate how to use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with those struggling with grief, loss, trauma, and other difficult and/or chronic diagnoses. Lastly, we will explore how SFBT’s “person-informed” approach effectively addresses the concerns raised by the trauma-informed movement. As previous workshop attendees can readily attest, Teri and Amanda’s complementary teaching styles and inclusive warmth and humor create an invigorating yet practical, hands-on learning environment. Stay for the week or choose specific days with topics of interest. Further, participants who are already actively teaching, supervising, or training in the field of evidence-based Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, are invited to stick around for two additional days to acquire advanced solution-focused teaching skills, and develop unique applications specifically tailored for your own training, coaching, supervision, or consultation work. All hours qualify toward international certification through the International Alliance of Solution-Focused Teaching Institutes as awarded through Denver Center for SFBT.
- Designed to benefit beginners to advanced learners
- Content is tailored to the needs of those in attendance; making attending useful year after year
- Attend all 7 days or choose the days you want; only pay for the days you attend
- Learn Solution-Focused Skills from IASTI certified trainers
- Practice Solution-Focused techniques and receive live feedback
- Continuing support after the conference
2023 Solution-Focused Summer Intensive, Conference - Featured Trainers
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Teri Pichot, LCSW, MAC, LAC:
Teri Pichot began her career as a psychotherapist over 30 years ago. Teri has worked extensively with individuals, couples, and families distressed by many issues including chronic mental illness, substance misuse, and domestic violence. Teri received her Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Denver, and she went on to obtain licensure as a Clinical Social Worker in addition to achieving the highest level of both state and national certification as an addictions specialist. She also is internationally certified in SFBT through IASTI. Teri Pichot was a Delta Society Pet Partner with her former canine companions, Rockefeller, Jasper, and Tazman, and she has significant experience partnering with them to provide animal assisted interventions to her clients. Teri has designed and implemented innovative programs that utilize Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (with and without therapy dogs) with both adults and adolescents. Teri established her solid reputation in the field when she transformed an outpatient, publicly funded substance abuse treatment program into one that is now internationally recognized for its innovation and effectiveness with externally motivated, dual diagnosed clientele. Teri is also the founder of the Denver Center for Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, where in addition to seeing clients, she provides international training and consultation to agencies and professionals. Teri specializes in demonstrating and teaching how Solution-Focused Brief Therapy can be used effectively with some of the most challenging problems that therapists and agencies face. Teri has published numerous journal articles and four books (some have been translated into Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and French), and enjoys working with professionals to help them discover how Solution-Focused Brief Therapy can be effective with “difficult” populations. Teri’s passion is assisting others (clients and professionals alike) to see that change is not only possible, but invigorating. Teri Pichot is well known for her energy, sense of humor, love of animals, and passion for her work. Pichot's creative spirit, enthusiasm, and zest for change are contagious and are reflected in the therapists she trains and supervises.
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Amanda A Bushek, LPC, MAC, LAC
Amanda A Bushek is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addiction Counselor in the state of Colorado. She is also nationally certified as a Master Addition Counselor. Amanda has obtained intensive training in and experience utilizing Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. She embraces the principles of the model in her work and in her everyday life. Amanda is engaging and energetic in her teaching style, as well as with her enthusiasm for life.
Amanda has extensive experience working in a variety of settings and systems. She currently serves as the senior program manager for an intensive outpatient program at the community mental health center in Boulder, Colorado (Mental Health Partners). The program is undergoing significant transitions to work toward becoming a psychosocial rehabilitation model of care, and Amanda has been challenged to effectively integrate SFBT into this new agency direction. Amanda previously spent several years of her career working for the Jefferson County Public Health, Substance Abuse Counseling Program under the direction of Teri Pichot. In addition, Amanda also has maintained a SFBT private practice working with individuals, couples, and families in Colorado.
2023 Solution-Focused Summer Intensive, Conference - Schedule

Monday, July 17, 2023
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Mountain Daylight Savings Time
(day-1)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Refresher Course:
This energizing, dynamic workshop offers a succinct, practical overview of the fundamentals of the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy approach applicable to a variety of therapeutic and professional contexts. This is the ideal workshop for someone new to the solution-focused approach as well as for experienced solution-focused practitioners wanting to refresh or refine their understanding of the basics of SFBT as developed at the Milwaukee Brief Family Therapy Center and documented in research studies demonstrating evidence-based effectiveness. This important workshop will form the foundation of our work together throughout the week and will serve as the opening of the week-long summer intensive. Beginners as well as advanced practitioners will benefit from participating in this high energy day.

Tuesday, July 18, 2023
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Mountain Daylight Savings Time
(Day-2)
The Art of Being Purposeful in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy:
This day will build upon the fundamentals of SFBT to help participants fine tune their use of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to increase their effectiveness. The subtleties of the model will be emphasized. Special focus will be on being purposeful in the use of questions and to learn to carefully match each professional response to the clients’ previous answer. For best results, plan to attend both the Refresher Course on July 13th as well as this day, for they build upon each other.

Wednesday, July 19, 2023
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Mountain Daylight Savings Time
(Day-3)
Now What? SF Beyond the Initial Session and in Challenging Settings:
We are frequently asked how to apply the basic SF structure throughout a treatment episode, in settings in which professionals are expected to give advice or be the “expert,” in evaluation settings, etc. This session tackles these challenging questions and will help participants remain in the solution-focused stance regardless of the setting. This advanced course will provide hands-on opportunity to explore and practice SFBT in these and other challenging settings. Join us for a day of discussion, role play, and learning.

Thursday, July 20, 2023
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Mountain Daylight Savings Time
(Day-4)
Using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with Couples and Families:
Working with couples and families brings its own challenges. Practical ways to help the family, couple, blended or non-traditional family, parent/child dyad, or caregiver/child dyad to create a shared miracle and to work together to make desired changes will be the primary focus of this day. Skills to safely address family conflict and ensure safety in high-risk situations will also be explored.

Friday, July 21, 2023
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Mountain Daylight Savings Time
(Day-5)
Using Solution-Focused Practice with Trauma and other Challenging Diagnoses:
One of the most common questions we receive is, “How does SFBT work with trauma?” (or a difficult or chronic diagnosis). This is the day to explore these questions. It has sometimes been mistakenly assumed that Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is not the approach of choice when working with clients who have recently experienced a tragic loss and/or are dealing with the aftermath of trauma. It's assumed this won't work with psychosis, or personality disorders. This workshop challenges these beliefs and will demonstrate how this powerful approach can offer the very compassion, healing, and future vision that clients who struggle with the devastating effects of trauma or other chronic conditions need.
(Days 6-7)
Training the Trainers and Supervisors: Advanced Training for Solution-Focused Trainers, Supervisors, and Workshop Leaders:
The final two days target professionals who have already honed their skills in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, are currently actively training or have experience training, and would like to further enhance those skills. This is also the ideal training for supervisors and managers who want to learn how to effectively supervise solution-focused staff or maintain their investment of previous solution-focused training within the agency. Advanced concepts will be explored, and the focus will be on assisting participants in building upon these existing skills to reach their training, supervision, and consulting goals. We will also discuss ways participants can work to develop and initiate local, national and international solution-focused teaching opportunities.
Registration Information:
COVID-19 initially challenged us all to be more creative and find online solutions that are just as effective as in-person. While in the beginning we were unsure if we would have the same energy, engagement, and hands-on learning that this event was known for, we soon discovered that there was no reason to worry. Our online Summer Intensive was amazing, with just as much engagement and interaction, and it also opened the doors to those who otherwise would not have been able to attend! We have had such good results online over the past several years that Amanda and I have made the decision to offer the July Solution-Focused Summer Intensive online again in 2023. We are committed to keep the number of attendees the same (maximum of 35) to ensure individual attention, lively discussion, practice feedback, and our same overall high quality. We are excited about the unique benefits that being online offers!
Follow the links below to register by mail or register online. To register by mail, fill out the PDF form online then print it and mail it with your payment to the address indicated on the form.
Location and Contact Information:
ADDRESS:
These classes will be offered online this year using the free Zoom interactive platform. Participants are expected to participate using web camera, audio, and individual computer/tablet. (More information will be provided upon request or upon registering for this date.)
PHONE: 303-941-4497
EMAIL: tpichot@denversolutions.com
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" or partial day attendance. 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. 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. All classes qualify as "Continuing Professional Development" as part of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agency's required Learning Plan for licensed professionals. CEU/CEC 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 now 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