However, the model does not require a special educational background in the social sciences. Indeed, in one project with homeless clients, formerly homeless males who had alcohol and other drug problems have been taught the model and work as peer counselors. Inc. 4.2 Training, Credentials, and Experience Required People can receive training by participating in several different programs at Problems to Solutions, Inc., or they may receive training from other specialized centers. A certificate indicating completion of the program is offered at the end of the training. However, given that no certification process exists at this time, certificates from existing training programs do not guarantee proficiency in the model but only completion of the training program.
Supervision is offered and encouraged.
Certainly, the characteristics of a successful counselor would be seen as adding to the efficacy of solution-focused brief treatment. However, personal characteristics of the counselor are not viewed as central to the treatment process. If one characteristic does stand out, it would probably be flexibility. The majority of the solution-focused process consists of carefully crafted questions designed to elicit client strengths and resources and to help the client decide how to best use those strengths and resources to achieve the desired treatment objectives. It is difficult to say which if any specific behaviors on the part of the counselor are generally proscribed.