ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how relationships are built, enhanced, and maintained using Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Solution focused relationship-building techniques include being student centered, strengths based. It is normal to feel confused or lost at the thought of building relationships with a variety of students. The solution focused school setting may be the first time a youth experienced a positive interaction with an adult or teacher. SFBT techniques can help teachers and other staff purposefully build rapport with these students and help them in achieving their goals. Asking students to clarify what they want for themselves provides students with the opportunity to explore and vocalize their goals. The teacher engaged the student by being student centered and mirroring the language the student uses. Solution focused relationship-building techniques include being student centered, being strengths based, being present and future oriented, allowing students to define their own goals, and allowing students to measure their own progress.
