Direct Practice and Intervention Methods
Core concepts
Know evidence-informed modalities used in schools: cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused brief therapy, trauma-focused CBT, group work, and crisis/safety planning. Understand the helping process (engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, termination), active listening, reflective responding, and the difference between individual, group, and family intervention. Recognize stages of change and how to match intervention to readiness.
Traps
Questions may tempt you to give advice or solve the problem for the student; the correct answer usually uses reflection, open questions, and collaboration. Avoid applying a single modality rigidly; match to the student's culture, age, and readiness. Watch for confusing confidentiality in groups (cannot guarantee it) and for termination answers that ignore planned closure and referral.
Worked example
A student says, "I'm fine" while avoiding eye contact and skipping lunch. A reflective, open response ("You say you're fine, but I notice lunch has been hard lately-what's going on?") fits motivational and solution-focused practice. Immediately reassuring or lecturing is the trap.
Rule of thumb
Match the intervention to the stage of change: precontemplation gets rapport and curiosity, not a detailed action plan.