ABSTRACT
Adlerian consultation (AC) and solution-focused consultation (SFC) share a theoretical basis in social constructivism, which implies that human behavior must be understood within the social context, and that human behavior is largely influenced through language. Both approaches focus on modifying consultees’ perspectives through altering the language or terms they use to conceptualize a student and his or her functioning. AC seeks to broaden consultees’ conceptualization of a consultation case by teaching the consultant to consider the potential motivations underlying student behavior that are consistent with Adlerian theory. Solution-focused consultants use carefully worded questions that encourage the consultee to consider exceptions to issues presented in consultation, aiding the consultee in identifying strengths and resources within the consultee, student, and their relationship, resulting in a cognitive shift for the consultee. In this chapter, we provide an overview of AC and SFC, review the limited research on these consultation approaches, and present case studies with discussion questions relevant to the respective consultation approach.
