ABSTRACT
Textbook knowledge goes a long way and it is exciting to put it into practice. However, it does not happen just like the textbook. As a school counselor it is not as important to choose a theoretical orientation as compared to a mental health counselor. What is important is knowing the theories and which ones work effectively in a school. Many school counselors are eclectic and pull from theories that work best for the situation they are presented with. School counselors can apply cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques at all grade levels. The chapter presents few ways to implement CBT at the elementary level. Solution-focused brief therapy works well in terms of keeping track of student progress, building rapport, outlining a pathway to change, clarifying and defining a problem, and creating goal. Reality therapy helps students redirect their feelings, thoughts, and actions to achieve their goals in a positive, forward-thinking way.
