Upcoming Townhall
Next townhall upcoming next year!
Past Town Hall & Training
Solution Focused Brief Therapy in Schools
Linda Metcalf, M.Ed., Ph.D., CSC, LPC, LMFT
We are honored to feature Linda Metcalf, M.Ed., Ph.D., CSC, LPC, LMFT, a leading author, professor, and global trainer in Solution Focused practices. Linda has written eleven books and co-authored two more, bringing decades of experience in counseling, education, and leadership.
She is currently a Professor in the Graduate Counseling Program at Texas Wesleyan University and the founder of Solution Focused Schools Unlimited, LLC. A TEDx presenter and international workshop leader, Linda is also the creator of Solution Focused Narrative Therapy, an integrated approach blending postmodern models to support clients navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, and more.
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EDT
Location: Online | SFBTA Members Only
This session explores an innovative way to lead effective and systemic, student-teacher conversations, improve classroom management by enlisting students to help, enhance Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) meetings by inviting the student to the meeting, and engage even the most "passionate parents" through solution-focused conversations. Learn practical strategies to help students create their own solutions—building responsibility, resilience, and success. The solution focused climate in schools can facilitate an atmosphere of inclusion and engagement, leading to safer schools and more motivated educators.
Some additional resources from Linda:
What Does It Mean To be "Not Knowing"?
by Teri Pichot, LCSW, LAC, MACF
We were honored to feature Teri Pichot, LCSW, LAC, MAC, an internationally recognized clinician, trainer, and author. Teri brings over 35 years of experience working with complex cases, including individuals struggling with substance misuse, chronic mental illness, and domestic violence.
She is the founder of the Denver Center for Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and has trained professionals around the world to apply this evidence-based model with effectiveness and compassion. Teri has published five books and numerous articles—translated into Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Mandarin, and French—helping expand the global reach of SFBT.
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Location: Online | SFBTA Members Only
This session explored how the “Not Knowing” stance can open space for client agency, collaboration, and transformative therapeutic change.
Balancing Practice-Based Evidence Ideas and Intuition in Solution-Focused Coaching.
by Naomi Whitehead
We were honored to feature Naomi Whitehead, IASTI, EMCC SP, ICF PCC, a Solution-Focused Practitioner. She works online, in Sheffield, across the UK, and internationally, as a Solution-Focused coach, trainer, mentor, educator and community interest company director. Naomi's background is in working with and coordinating services for adults and young people facing multiple and complex challenges, e.g., homelessness, those involved in the criminal justice system, substance misuse. She also manages voluntary sector projects. Naomi brings a structured yet playful, curious and deeply respectful stance to all her work.
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Location: Online | SFBTA Members Only
This workshop explored practice-based evidence ideas and intuition in solution-focused coaching. How, if, and when, does the interplay between these influences impact the way we co-construct possibilities, hope, desired outcomes and amplification of existing skills in our sessions? Naomi shared her fascinations on this topic, and invited participants to do the same - to celebrate, build on and consider our existing and future practice.
Relationspaces Power Bursts
by Tara Gretton and Vicky Essebag
We were honored to feature Vicky Essebag and Tara Gretton for their session called "Relationspaces Power Bursts". 'Relationspaces’ is a metaphor for the intentional space we create in relationships to bring out the best in ourselves and others. Using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) principles, individuals engage in strength-based conversations about preferred futures and agency. Tara Gretton and Vicky Essebag created Power Bursts—short reflections inspired by quotes from Vicky’s book Relationspaces; A Solution-Focused Handbook for Parents.
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
Location: Online | SFBTA Members Only
This interactive session invited participants to explore what works in their own relationspaces and how to act on their best hopes for effective, inclusive relationships. It provided a practical and reflective space to apply SF ideas to everyday connections.
About Vicky
Vicky Essebag is a relational communication specialist and President-Elect of SFBTA. With a strong background in education and family therapy, she champions Solution-Focused Communication in schools, families, and organizations. Vicky is the founder of Relationspaces, and is known for creating inclusive, compassionate learning environments as a leader, speaker, and coach.
About Tara
Tara Gretton is a registered social worker, accredited SF practitioner, and international trainer specializing in work with children, families, and schools. She brings a relational lens to her coaching and consulting, helping people build on what works to create lasting, meaningful change. Tara’s practice is rooted in community, connection, and sustainable solutions.
