Frequently Asked Questions about Client-Driven/Outcome-Informed Practice in Schools

This information is adapted from Chapter 8 of the book:

    Murphy, J. J., & Duncan, B. L. (2007). Brief intervention for school problems (2nd ed.): Outcome-informed    strategies. New York: Guilford Press. (www.guilford.com)

These questions often arise in teaching, supervision, and training on brief outcome-informed intervention.

• You emphasize putting clients first, but who is the client in school referrals?

• How do you justify giving a voice to students who are too young or too disturbed to know what's best for them?

• Evidence-based practice (EBP) is considered the gold standard in the helping professions. How does EBP figure into brief outcome-informed intervention?

• You paint a dismal picture of diagnosis. Is there any place for diagnosis in brief outcome-informed intervention?

• The Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) and Session Rating Scale (SRS) have been shown to improve outcomes and provide accountability. Why aren't these measures used in schools?

• What are the implications of client-driven, outcome-informed intervention for training programs?