The solution focused toolkit: Recent Episodes
The Action Factory
We take the solution focused approach out of the therapy room and break it down into its component parts. By doing so we enable all care professionals to choose from the solution focused menu and adapt the model into their working practice. Anyone in education, residential care and social work remits as well as the business world will find the tips, analogies and stories useful and thought provoking. Join us as we take a look at the world through a solution focused lens.
A woman looked in the mirror after plastic surgery and still saw someone she didn’t like. That moment changed the life of Dr. Maxwell Maltz—and it changed the way I think about weight loss too.
I’m Michael Dawson, author of Quit Your Diet, and in this episode, I’m digging into the conversation around Ozempic, Wegovy, and the so-called miracle weight-loss drugs. But instead of just focusing on the headlines, I want to talk about what these medications don’t address: your mindset, your self-image, and your real relationship with food.
I share:
- Why weight-loss drugs might be a short-term fix with long-term uncertainty
- The real reason so many diets fail—and what to do instead
- My QYD framework, a psychological path to food freedom
- How to build lasting autonomy instead of dependency
- And why the image we hold of ourselves might be the most important piece of all
If you’re tired of dieting, unsure about the hype around injections, or just ready for something that feels more human—this episode is for you.
What if every diet you tried, every rule you followed, every plan you stuck to (and then abandoned), every time you “gave up” was actually the best decision you could make at the time?
In this episode, Michael Dawson invites you to reframe your past choices through a radically compassionate lens. Because if every decision you made came from a place that made it the best decision at that moment even when it didn’t lead to lasting change, then maybe it’s time to just move on.
Maybe it’s time to draw a line under all the diets, all the guilt.
If you're tired of calorie counting, meal plans, and the constant feeling of failure… this could be the turning point you didn’t know you needed.
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👣 What to do next...
If today’s episode hit home, take the FREE quiz to find out which level your weight obsession lives on — and how to start changing from that level:
👉 https://quit-your-diet.com
You’ll get:
✔️ A custom PDF based on your quiz results
✔️ A support video made just for your stage
✔️ The first 3 chapters of Quit Your Diet: Think to Shrink
✔️ Free lifetime membership with tools, downloads, and invites
🎥 Prefer video? You can watch this episode and the rest of the series over on the Quit Your Diet YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Quityourdiet
🎓 Become a site member today and get early, free access to my full training course when it launches.
☕ Like what you’re hearing? Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee and get exclusive invites to my monthly live coffee mornings:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/quityourdiet
📚 Explore more tools and resources at:
👉 https://www.actionfactorypublishing.com
Thanks for tuning in — and remember:
The healthiest decision you could make might be quitting diets for good.
What if your diet started as a solution and became the problem?
In this episode, I’ll share a story about a man who wins the lottery and ends up solving a series of problems with the wrong solutions. It’s the perfect metaphor for how we end up trapped in the cycle of dieting.
We’re talking about a powerful idea today:
“Today’s problem is often yesterday’s solution.”
I’ll explore why so many of us turn to diets as the "obvious" fix, and how that in itself is the problem. I'll talk about:
- How diet culture trains us to look in the wrong direction
- And what it takes to replace the wrong solution with one that actually works
I’ll also introduce one of the 7 assumptions I use in my Quit Your Diet program—assumptions that can shift the way you see yourself and your habits.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the dieting loop, this episode will help you see why... and how to start building your escape plan.
Thanks for listening. Subscribe, follow, and come find the tools waiting for you. Membership is free right now, and it’s packed with downloads, support, and insight to help you quit diets for good.
__________________________________________________
👣 What to do next...
If today’s episode hit home, take the FREE quiz to find out which level your weight obsession lives on — and how to start changing from that level:
👉 https://quit-your-diet.com
You’ll get:
✔️ A custom PDF based on your quiz results
✔️ A support video made just for your stage
✔️ The first 3 chapters of Quit Your Diet: Think to Shrink
✔️ Free lifetime membership with tools, downloads, and invites
🎥 Prefer video? You can watch this episode and the rest of the series over on the Quit Your Diet YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Quityourdiet
🎓 Become a site member today and get early, free access to my full training course when it launches.
☕ Like what you’re hearing? Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee and get exclusive invites to my monthly live coffee mornings:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/quityourdiet
📚 Explore more tools and resources at:
👉 https://www.actionfactorypublishing.com
Thanks for tuning in — and remember:
The healthiest decision you could make might be quitting diets for good.
In this episode, I share why our perceived failures aren't failures at all, they're valuable lessons pointing us toward a completely different approach.I'll reveal how the traditional diet mindset creates patterns that keep us trapped, and how breaking free might be simpler than you think. Have you tried countless diets only to end up right where you started? I'm Michael Dawson, author of "Quit Your Diet," and I've discovered something that changed everything for me. Join me to discover a refreshing perspective that applies not just to weight issues, but to many of life's challenges. If you're ready to try something completely different, this conversation is for you.__________________________________________________
👣 What to do next...
If today’s episode hit home, take the FREE quiz to find out which level your weight obsession lives on — and how to start changing from that level:
👉 https://quit-your-diet.com
You’ll get:
✔️ A custom PDF based on your quiz results
✔️ A support video made just for your stage
✔️ The first 3 chapters of Quit Your Diet: Think to Shrink
✔️ Free lifetime membership with tools, downloads, and invites
🎥 Prefer video? You can watch this episode and the rest of the series over on the Quit Your Diet YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Quityourdiet
🎓 Become a site member today and get early, free access to my full training course when it launches.
☕ Like what you’re hearing? Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee and get exclusive invites to my monthly live coffee mornings:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/quityourdiet
📚 Explore more tools and resources at:
👉 https://www.actionfactorypublishing.com
Thanks for tuning in — and remember:
The healthiest decision you could make might be quitting diets for good.
I want to share something today that’s not exactly revolutionary, but it can transform your weight journey forever:
You are the true expert in your own life.
In this episode of Quit Your Diet, I draw on my years of experience working in tough therapeutic environments to explain why outside advice so often falls short, and why trusting yourself is the key to lasting change.
You’ll hear about a real conversation I had with a young client, a powerful moment where I resisted the urge to offer solutions and let him lead instead. What happened next taught me one of the most important lessons of my career. And it’s directly relevant to your journey with food, weight, and self-trust.
My approach flips the traditional diet mindset on its head. Instead of handing you another plan to follow, I help you build your own 14 day roadmap to quitting diets forever.
In this episode, I’ll even share a simple but eye-opening exercise I use with professionals that shows how powerful your own solutions can be, when you’re given permission to trust yourself.
This is part of my seven-part framework designed to help you quit diets for good and build a new, natural relationship with food.
If that sounds like something you need, you’re in exactly the right place.
__________________________________________________
👣 What to do next...
If today’s episode hit home, take the FREE quiz to find out which level your weight obsession lives on — and how to start changing from that level:
👉 https://quit-your-diet.com
You’ll get:
✔️ A custom PDF based on your quiz results
✔️ A support video made just for your stage
✔️ The first 3 chapters of Quit Your Diet: Think to Shrink
✔️ Free lifetime membership with tools, downloads, and invites
🎥 Prefer video? You can watch this episode and the rest of the series over on the Quit Your Diet YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Quityourdiet
🎓 Become a site member today and get early, free access to my full training course when it launches.
☕ Like what you’re hearing? Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee and get exclusive invites to my monthly live coffee mornings:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/quityourdiet
📚 Explore more tools and resources at:
👉 https://www.actionfactorypublishing.com
Thanks for tuning in — and remember:
The healthiest decision you could make might be quitting diets for good.
What if your biggest weight struggles aren’t really about food, but about the mental map you’ve been using to navigate your life?
In this second episode of the Quit Your Diet: Assumptions series, Michael Dawson shares a powerful story that reveals how our beliefs shape what we see, feel, and do, even when those beliefs are completely off the mark.
You'll explore the first of seven core assumptions Michael makes about every client:
The map is not the territory.
Discover: Why perception often overpowers willpower How unseen beliefs shape your identity A fresh way to view dieting “failures” and why they’re not your fault If you're tired of calorie counting and meal plans, and ready to rethink the way change actually happens, this episode is your starting point.
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👣 What to do next...
If today’s episode hit home, take the FREE quiz to find out which level your weight obsession lives on — and how to start changing from that level:
👉 https://quit-your-diet.com
You’ll get:
✔️ A custom PDF based on your quiz results
✔️ A support video made just for your stage
✔️ The first 3 chapters of Quit Your Diet: Think to Shrink
✔️ Free lifetime membership with tools, downloads, and invites
🎥 Prefer video? You can watch this episode and the rest of the series over on the Quit Your Diet YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Quityourdiet
🎓 Become a site member today and get early, free access to my full training course when it launches.
☕ Like what you’re hearing? Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee and get exclusive invites to my monthly live coffee mornings:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/quityourdiet
📚 Explore more tools and resources at:
👉 https://www.actionfactorypublishing.com
Thanks for tuning in — and remember:
The healthiest decision you could make might be quitting diets for good.
What if the story you’re telling yourself... is completely wrong?
In this episode, Michael Dawson kicks off a powerful new mini-series by revealing the hidden power of assumptions, those snap judgments we make about others, the world, and most dangerously, ourselves.
With a gripping story about a speeding driver, a compassionate cop, and a twist that flips everything on its head, Michael shows just how much a single sentence can rewrite reality.
You’ll discover:
- Why the assumptions you make without evidence are silently steering your life
- How to use Michael’s 7 Assumptions to change how you think, speak, and act, starting today
- How beliefs like “You are the expert of your own life” and “There is no failure, only lessons” can unlock lasting change
- The surprising truth about human behavior and why “pretending you can” might be the key to becoming who you want to be
Whether you’re here because your Quit Your Diet quiz pointed to identity and beliefs, or you just feel stuck, this episode gives you a fresh, compassionate lens to see yourself through.
Hit play now and learn how to challenge the lies your brain whispers, one life-shaping assumption at a time.
______________________________________
👣 What to do next...
If today’s episode hit home, take the FREE quiz to find out which level your weight obsession lives on and how to start changing from that level:
👉 https://quit-your-diet.com
You’ll get:
✔️ A custom PDF based on your quiz results
✔️ A support video made just for your stage
✔️ The first 3 chapters of Quit Your Diet: Think to Shrink
✔️ Free lifetime membership with tools, downloads, and invites
Prefer video? You can watch this episode and the rest of the series over on the Quit Your Diet YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Quityourdiet
Become a site member today and get early, free access to my full training course when it launches.
☕ Like what you’re hearing? Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee and get exclusive invites to my monthly live coffee mornings:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/quityourdiet
📚 Explore more tools and resources at:
👉 https://www.actionfactorypublishing.com
Thanks for tuning in — and remember:
The healthiest decision you could make might be quitting diets for good.
What if the biggest thing holding you back… was living inside your own head?
In this powerful episode, Michael Dawson dives into the highest level on the pyramid of change:
Identity & Beliefs
Where lasting transformation truly begins. Through the lens of a Big Issue seller, a forgotten psychology experiment, and a poem about a lying robot in your mind, Michael explores the hidden voice that shapes your choices, moods, and beliefs every single day.
You’ll learn:
- Why someone with elite skills might still struggle to succeed (and how you might be doing the same)
- How to spot and silence the five biggest lies your mind tells you daily
- The truth behind priming, hedonic adaptation, and confirmation bias, and how to beat them
- A powerful rewrite of your internal story using “ME-NA” - your mental DNA
- A poem to remind you that you are in charge - not your inner robot
Whether your quiz pointed to identity as the source of your weight struggle, or you’re just tired of feeling hijacked by your own mind, this episode gives you the tools to take back control for good.
Subscribe now, and start rewiring your mental DNA, one truth at a time.
________________________________________________
👣 What to do next...
If today’s episode hit home, take the FREE quiz to find out which level your weight obsession lives on and how to start changing from that level:
👉 https://quit-your-diet.com
You’ll get:
✔️ A custom PDF based on your quiz results
✔️ A support video made just for your stage
✔️ The first 3 chapters of Quit Your Diet: Think to Shrink
✔️ Free lifetime membership with tools, downloads, and invites
Prefer video? You can watch this episode and the rest of the series over on the Quit Your Diet YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Quityourdiet
Become a site member today and get early, free access to my full training course when it launches.
☕ Like what you’re hearing? Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee and get exclusive invites to my monthly live coffee mornings:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/quityourdiet
📚 Explore more tools and resources at:
👉 https://www.actionfactorypublishing.com
Thanks for tuning in — and remember:
The healthiest decision you could make might be quitting diets for good.
What do a Navy SEAL, a worn-out mother of two, and your own 5 p.m. chocolate craving have in common?
In this inspiring episode, Michael Dawson explores the Capabilities level of change, the knowledge, skills, and inner strength you often forget you already have. Drawing on the powerful metaphor of the “Cookie Jar,” inspired by David Goggins, Michael shows you how to uncover the resilience, grit, and small wins you’ve been overlooking.
You’ll discover:
- How a 100-mile ultra-run reveals the secret to mental toughness
- Why your weight loss problem might actually be a knowledge gap about yourself
- The science behind The Winner Effect - and how to trigger it without running a marathon
- A simple, step-by-step method to build your own “Cookie Jar” of personal victories
Whether your daily win is surviving a stressful meeting or simply not falling into old patterns, these wins matter - and stacking them can change your life.
🎯 Listen now to find out how remembering your own power can do more than any diet ever has.
______________________________________________
👣 What to do next...
If today’s episode hit home, take the FREE quiz to find out which level your weight obsession lives on and how to start changing from that level:
👉 https://quit-your-diet.com
You’ll get:
✔️ A custom PDF based on your quiz results
✔️ A support video made just for your stage
✔️ The first 3 chapters of Quit Your Diet: Think to Shrink
✔️ Free lifetime membership with tools, downloads, and invites
Prefer video? You can watch this episode and the rest of the series over on the Quit Your Diet YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Quityourdiet
Become a site member today and get early, free access to my full training course when it launches.
☕ Like what you’re hearing? Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee and get exclusive invites to my monthly live coffee mornings:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/quityourdiet
📚 Explore more tools and resources at:
👉 https://www.actionfactorypublishing.com
Thanks for tuning in — and remember:
The healthiest decision you could make might be quitting diets for good.
What if the secret to lasting change wasn’t more discipline... but smarter habits?
In this episode, Michael Dawson explores the fascinating science behind habit loops , the brain's invisible programming that runs our daily lives. Inspired by the true story of Clive Wearing, a man with a 30-second memory who could still play piano and find his favorite chair, Michael reveals just how deeply habits shape our behavior, even when we don’t realize it.
You’ll discover:
- Why breaking bad habits isn’t about willpower, it’s about breaking the loop.
- The simple three-step formula that drives every habit (and how to rewrite it).
- How one man stopped a 20-year chocolate routine with a single bus stop change.
- Practical tools to rewire your brain using cues, routines, and rewards, without counting a single calorie.
Whether you’ve taken the Quit Your Diet quiz and landed on “behavior” or just want to understand your own habits better, this episode gives you real, doable strategies to shift old patterns and build ones that actually work for you.
Listen now and start building a life that runs on habits you’ve chosen, not ones that run you.
________________________________________________
👣 What to do next...
If today’s episode hit home, take the FREE quiz to find out which level your weight obsession lives on and how to start changing from that level:
👉 https://quit-your-diet.com
You’ll get:
✔️ A custom PDF based on your quiz results
✔️ A support video made just for your stage
✔️ The first 3 chapters of Quit Your Diet: Think to Shrink
✔️ Free lifetime membership with tools, downloads, and invites
Prefer video? You can watch this episode and the rest of the series over on the Quit Your Diet YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Quityourdiet
Become a site member today and get early, free access to my full training course when it launches.
☕ Like what you’re hearing? Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee and get exclusive invites to my monthly live coffee mornings:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/quityourdiet
📚 Explore more tools and resources at:
👉 https://www.actionfactorypublishing.com
Thanks for tuning in — and remember:
The healthiest decision you could make might be quitting diets for good.
What if changing your environment could do more for your health than willpower ever could?
In this episode, Michael Dawson dives into one of the most overlooked but life-changing factors behind lasting change: your environment.
From heroin-addicted soldiers in Vietnam, to why your favorite holiday drink tastes terrible back in your living room, this episode is packed with eye-opening stories and practical tips.
If you’ve taken the Quit Your Diet quiz and scored high on environment, this episode is your roadmap.
If you haven’t taken the quiz yet, no worries, there’s a link in the show notes.
- Discover how small changes in your surroundings can lead to massive shifts in your behavior.
- Learn how to set up your space so it supports your goals without needing superhuman willpower.
- Understand why you're not broken, you're just being influenced by the invisible power of your surroundings.
Michael brings a fresh perspective, real-world examples, and practical steps that can help you transform your kitchen, your mindset, and your life — all without counting a single calorie.
Hit play now and join us on the Quit Your Diet journey.
__________________________________________________
👣 What to do next...
If today’s episode hit home, take the FREE quiz to find out which level your weight obsession lives on and how to start changing from that level:
👉 https://quit-your-diet.com
You’ll get:
✔️ A custom PDF based on your quiz results
✔️ A support video made just for your stage
✔️ The first 3 chapters of Quit Your Diet: Think to Shrink
✔️ Free lifetime membership with tools, downloads, and invites
Prefer video? You can watch this episode and the rest of the series over on the Quit Your Diet YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Quityourdiet
Become a site member today and get early, free access to my full training course when it launches.
☕ Like what you’re hearing? Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee and get exclusive invites to my monthly live coffee mornings:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/quityourdiet
📚 Explore more tools and resources at:
👉 https://www.actionfactorypublishing.com
Thanks for tuning in — and remember:
The healthiest decision you could make might be quitting diets for good.
I’m Michael Dawson, author of Quit Your Diet: Think to Shrink, and in this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest reasons diets feel like a constant uphill battle, even when we’re motivated to change.
We all know someone who seems to eat anything they want and never gain weight. Meanwhile, you just glance at carbs and your clothes feel tighter. The truth? It might not be what you’re eating, but how you're trying to change.
This episode introduces the Levels of Change model — a psychological framework that explains the deeper forces behind change.
Discover how “The Weightless” approach eating, and why it works when diets don't.
Make sure you’re subscribed, in upcoming episodes, we’ll break down each level and how to apply it in your own life.
___________________________________________________
👣 What to do next...
If today’s episode hit home, take the FREE quiz to find out which level your weight obsession lives on — and how to start changing from that level:
👉 https://quit-your-diet.com
You’ll get:
✔️ A custom PDF based on your quiz results
✔️ A support video made just for your stage
✔️ The first 3 chapters of Quit Your Diet: Think to Shrink
✔️ Free lifetime membership with tools, downloads, and invites
🎥 Prefer video? You can watch this episode and the rest of the series over on the Quit Your Diet YouTube channel:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@Quityourdiet
🎓 Become a site member today and get early, free access to my full training course when it launches.
☕ Like what you’re hearing? Support the show on Buy Me a Coffee and get exclusive invites to my monthly live coffee mornings:
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/quityourdiet
📚 Explore more tools and resources at:
👉 https://www.actionfactorypublishing.com
Thanks for tuning in — and remember:
The healthiest decision you could make might be quitting diets for good.
After the last episode, I've been thinking deeply. So many people asked me when I was going to write that book about weight loss that I discussed in the previous episode. Well, here we are in 2025, and I did much more than that: I wrote the book, and I'm currently giving away 100,000 copies on a pay-what-you-want basis. I also have a course coming soon that will support you on your “quit your diet” journey. As far as podcasts go, this episode is way outside of our usual remit, so I created a brand-new podcast. I'd suggest you subscribe, as we take you through a series of real tools to support your journey to quitting diets forever.
The new Quit Your Diet podcast is here:
https://www.actionfactorypublishing.com/podcast
The free book is here:
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/70007041/quit-your-diet-think-to-shrink-full-book
Remember to stick around if you’re all about youth work, because the toolkit is growing and going strong.
Remember to stick around if your all about youth work because the toolkit is growing and going strong.
What happens when you bring together 12 clinically obese individuals and a team of experts to tackle weight loss and save lives?
ANNOUNCEMENT
So many people asked me when I was going to write that book about weight loss that I discussed in this episode. Well, here we are in 2025, and I did much more than that: I wrote the book, and I'm currently giving away 100,000 copies on a pay-what-you-want basis. I also have a course coming soon that will support you on your “quit your diet” journey. As far as podcasts go, this episode is way outside of our usual remit, so I created a brand-new podcast. I'd suggest you subscribe, as we take you through a series of real tools to support your journey to quitting diets forever.
The new Quit Your Diet podcast is here:
https://www.actionfactorypublishing.com/podcast
The free book is here:
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/70007041/quit-your-diet-think-to-shrink-full-book
In this episode of The Action Factory Podcast, I share the behind-the-scenes story of a groundbreaking NHS pilot program, where I was invited to be the unlikely "Mr. Motivator." From personal epiphanies to clashes of philosophy, the whole project produced some surprising lessons about the power of mindset in creating lasting change.
Most importantly this project influenced my approach to youth work and personal transformation, it confirmed it’s your brain that holds the key to success. Whether you're a youth worker or someone intrigued by the process of change, this episode is quite an eye opener, and even a sneak peek at Michael’s upcoming book.
FREE PDF
THE REAL MR MOTIVATOR
WATCH THE FREE TRAINING SESSION
Ever witnessed a young person repeat a self-destructive behavior that seems to defy all logic? I know I have. And today, I'm diving into a story I’ve never shared before — not just about the young people I’ve worked with, but about my own inexplicable, self-destructive behavior as a kid. If you're wondering why young people sometimes act against their own best interests, stick around. Because even after decades in this field, I don’t have all the answers — just the questions that haunt me still.
_________
Finally, if you’re a youth work team who would be interested in building team consistency, better confidence in crises, and offering better outcomes, you might want to check out my webinar below.
WATCH THE FREE TRAINING SESSION
Welcome to The Action Factory Podcast, and it’s great to be back! After a long hiatus due to moving house, I want to talk about how we might save our council a few million pounds.
My name is Michael Dawson, and I developed a universal, principle-based framework for youth work teams. During the design of the Solutions Toolkit, I’m often asked about my experience. It’s broad and covers most sectors, but I’ll always refer to three fantastic and revolutionary projects that I was lucky enough to have been involved in.
In today’s episode, I want to talk about one of them. It was a project where I jokingly used to say that, in private industry, we would all be driving Mercedes.
Why?
Because, based purely on the financials, we were saving city councils millions of pounds a year. We did this by keeping young people at home instead of in the care system. In fact, (after recording) I found a fascinating article in The Guardian by George Monbiot that confirms exactly what I’ve been saying.
If you’re a City Council influencer, we could easily do this again in a new and modern way.
In this episode, I’ll describe our service and what we did. Sadly, it’s a kind of rise and fall of the most cost-effective service the City Council ever created.
Although I found the article below after recording, I think you’ll find it interesting:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/may/18/child-care-cost-year-wealth-funds-councils-britain-residential
Oh and the Simpsons of course
Finally, if you’re a youth work team who would be interested in building team consistency, better confidence in crises, and offering better outcomes, you might want to check out my webinar below.
WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR
Welcome to the Action Factory Podcast, I'm Michael Dawson, the creator of the Solutions Toolkit, a framework designed for working with young people in care environments.
In today's episode, we delve into the real, raw experience of the admission process into care — not the procedures and rules, but what it actually feels like for a young person going through it.
I recently (and unexpectedly) opened up about my own journey during an interview on The Passionate Youth Worker podcast, revealing an event I hadn't touched on for years.
It took a sudden burst of tears while watching a TV drama to realize how deeply my past experiences still affected me.
That moment on the podcast inspired me to revisit and break down the very scene that caused me so much trauma. Today, we’ll explore that scene together and uncover the lessons that might lie hidden within.
If you’re involved in running a children's home, this episode is crucial.
Hopefully, the scenarios we discuss aren’t familiar, but they are an important learning opportunity.
To help you after the episode, I've developed an interactive "Admissions Audit" document. This tool is designed to help ensure that the admission process is as comforting as possible for young people — a stark contrast to my own experiences and those of the young girl in the drama.
Also, don’t miss out on grabbing a free copy of the Key Worker Compass by clicking the link below. This handy tool keeps all your key worker information right at your fingertips.
At the moment, I'm offering a two-year subscription to all my personal training for the cost of a single month. Under $20 will grant you a two-year full legacy membership as we continue to spread the word and make a difference.
Join us on this journey and help change the way we support our youth in care.
ADMISSIONS AUDIT SHEET
Please save on your own device before making changes
WATCH THE CLIP HERE
FULL SHOW - NO CHILD OF MINE
THE PASSIONATE YOUTH WORKER PODCAST
THE KEY WORKER COMPASS DOWNLOAD
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
Today we dive into the heart of Residential Youth Work—a realm I'm so passionate about, I literally wear it on my sleeve... and my head!
You will have seen my wardrobe additions, shirts and hats, boldly proclaiming it "The Greatest Job in the World."
Why such enthusiasm? Well, it's the unique magic of making even the smallest difference in a young person's life that has me shouting from the rooftops. But today, I'm dialing back the volume to extend a warm, inviting hand to those considering a path in residential youth work.
Join me as we delve into my six compelling reasons why residential youth work stands apart from the rest. Whether you've been contemplating a career that enables you to positively influence young lives, or you're simply curious about what makes this job so rewarding, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire. Let's embark on this journey together and discover why residential youth work is, indeed, the greatest job in the world.
Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
In this thought-provoking episode, "A Day With Milton H Erickson - Lessons from the Master," I embark on a fascinating journey to explore the hypothetical yet illuminating scenario of having Milton H. Erickson himself as a staff member in our modern-day children's home.
Imagine the unparalleled insights we could gain by working a shift alongside the master of psychotherapy himself. This episode delves into the rich teachings and innovative approaches Erickson might bring to our team. With his unparalleled ability to connect and effect change, I'll dissect how Erickson's presence could revolutionize our practices, challenge our perspectives, and deepen our impact.
Join me as we step into a day with Erickson, drawing lessons from his wisdom and envisioning the profound influence such a figure could have in the realm of residential youth work today.
This episode is not just a tribute to Erickson's legacy but a practical guide inspired by his work, offering valuable insights for anyone dedicated to nurturing change and growth in the hearts and minds of the young individuals in their care.
Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
In this episode titled "Milton H. Erickson - The Rockstar of Change," I dive deep into the extraordinary life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in psychotherapy. With a mix of admiration and healthy skepticism, I unravel the stories of a man whose methods and teachings continue to inspire and provoke thought long after his time.
Whether you're a novice to Erickson's work or a seasoned professional in psychotherapy, this episode offers a unique lens through which to explore his world. I'll briefly outline Erickson's remarkable journey, his pivotal role in the field, and his undying influence on therapeutic practices.
Moreover, I delve into six transformative lessons that residential youth workers—and indeed, anyone interested in effecting change—can draw from his approach. Join us as we navigate the legend, the skepticism, and the undeniable impact of Erickson's work, making this episode a must-listen for our students or anyone intrigued by the power of change and the stories of those who master it.
Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
Youth Work Wellness: Self-Care Strategies for Professionals, delves into the heart of self-care, exploring not just the 'what' and 'how,' but the pivotal 'why' behind nurturing our own well-being in the demanding field of youth work.
Let's transform it from a buzzword into a concrete foundation upon which the resilience and effectiveness of youth professionals can be built and sustained.
Emotional fatigue, burnout, and the often overlooked vicarious trauma. We shine a light on the personal stories of resilience and recovery.
I'll talk about simple and actionable strategies and innovative approaches that integrate self-care into the very fabric of your daily routines, making well-being achievable for even the busiest professionals. From mindfulness techniques tailored for the youth work setting to creating a self-care plan that's as unique as your personal and professional journey, this episode is packed with practical insights.
We explore how organizations can foster a culture of wellness, supporting not just the youth they serve, but also the professionals who dedicate their lives to this vital work. The power of peer support, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and strategies for advocating for a work environment that prioritizes mental health and wellness.
Tune in to transform your approach to self-care, elevate your professional practice, and rediscover the joy and passion that drew you to youth work. Because taking care of yourself isn't just an act of self-love—it's a professional necessity.
Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
I'm Michael Dawson from 'The Action Factory,' and I'd like to welcome you to the final session of my free audio course, 'NLP in Residential Youth Work.'
In today's episode, we'll be summarizing some of the key points from the past ten weeks. Our journey began with the question: Can NLP be effective in residential youth work?
I believe the answer is a resounding yes!
Over the last nine weeks, we have successfully simplified some of the most intricate NLP concepts into understandable components. While our goal wasn't to create NLP masters, I'm confident we've successfully adapted many of these strategies for use in residential youth work.
A big thank you to everyone who has followed this journey, and please do share how you get on with these new strategies.
Remember to subscribe to the Action Faction Podcast for more enlightening content. Your support and feedback are crucial in helping us reach and support more individuals in the field of youth work.
NLP is just one aspect of my specialized training course, "The Solutions Toolkit." This innovative framework is tailored for residential youth workers like you. Don't forget to check out the free team version available on our website.
As always I invite you to get this weeks. DIGITAL DOWNLOAD (No email required)
Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
I’m Michael Dawson from The Action Factory and once again I welcome you to another session on my free audio course. NLP in residential youth work.
My aim with this series is to provide commutable sized lessons that can be listened to on the bus and practiced at work.
This episode is filled with insights and tools essential for youth workers confronting a critical challenge in our field: substance abuse.
As youth workers, we find ourselves being the support and guidance to those grappling with substance-related challenges.
In our discussion today, we focus on the transformative power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and its role in breaking the cycle of substance abuse. We'll explore how incorporating NLP strategies into your work can provide a unique and effective approach to addressing drug-related problems among youth.
This episode not only offers practical NLP techniques but also shares personal experiences and insights into the various factors that may lead young individuals towards substance use.
NLP is just one of the disciplines that feature in my specialised training course, "The Solutions Toolkit," It’s an innovative framework custom-built for residential youth workers like you.
Remember to check out the free team version on the website.
As always I invite you to get this weeks DIGITAL DOWNLOAD (No email required)
Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
Welcome to our complimentary audio training, "NLP in Residential Youth Work," accessible through this podcast. Each episode is designed to be delivered in commutable chunks, offering practical insights that can be immediately applied in your professional setting.
I’m Michael Dawson from the Action Factory, and in this episode, we delve into the intricate dynamics of peer pressure in residential youth settings and its impact on youth behavior. Drawing upon the profound insights from the book "Connected" by James Fowler and Nicholas Christakis, along with a pivotal study by Solomon Asch, we aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon.
We’ll discuss strategies that can be seamlessly woven into the daily practices of residential youth establishments to cultivate a nurturing and supportive environment.
In today's podcast:
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A deeper insight into the mechanics of peer pressure in residential youth environments, and strategies to steer them towards beneficial outcomes.
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An overview of the Solutions Toolkit and guidance on customizing NLP techniques for your specific work environment.
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An exploration of positive reinforcement techniques, the importance of fostering positive identities, and the critical role of comprehensive staff training.
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Innovative approaches to reframe the narrative around negative peer pressure, guiding it towards more constructive paths.
This episode is designed to equip you with actionable knowledge and tools that can be directly applied to enhance your professional practice in residential youth work.
Prepare to engage with the dynamic world of peer pressure and learn how to leverage it for positive transformation.
NLP is just one of the disciplines that feature in my specialised training course, "The Solutions Toolkit." It’s an innovative framework custom-built for residential youth workers like you.
Remember to check out the free team version on the website.
As always I invite you to get this weeks Digital Download (No email required)
Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.
If you're looking for the free NLP in residential youth work course, it will be back after the Christmas break, but in the meantime, I want to talk about a concept called the 'Curious Inquisitor.'
In this session, we will discuss a concept from the Solutions Toolkit training course called the 'Curious Inquisitor.' I place this concept at the center of everything we do in residential youth work training. As you know, the course adopts and adapts from the very best change therapy strategies ever created. One of those is, of course, Neurolinguistic Programming.
A central concept of NLP is
'The map is not the territory.'
My interpretation of this idea shows that each of us keeps our own map of the world around us; in doing so, we do not navigate the real obstacles or advantages but only the ones we see, the ones on our map.
This is why we often struggle to solve a problem for someone else when the solution seems glaringly obvious to us.
So how can we get around this in residential youth work?
I love the idea of being the 'Curious Inquisitor.' That is, to be curious about how our clients see the world. Instead of trying to steer their bus, we might simply ask them about preferred directions we could take. This way, we ensure that we stay within their map and in doing so, find solutions that fit into their world. Anything that doesn't fit into their perception will ultimately be rejected or sabotaged.
Staying Curious and resisting the temptation to offer solutions of your own is a tough ask. The attached audio is from my full team training course for residential youth workers called 'The Solutions Toolkit.' There's a free version here.
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
Ever wondered how a song, a scent, or even a festive conversation could act as an 'anchor' to evoke certain feelings? We're going to uncover the concept of 'anchoring' and demonstrate how it can be used to trigger uplifting responses and diminish negative ones.
Welcome to another session in our free ten part training course, Neurolinguisitc programming in residential youth work. Every week I'll deliver what I call commutable chunks of information. I aim to offer amazing ideas that you can listen to on the bus and practice at work.
I'm your host, Michael Dawson, welcome back to another exciting episode of our Action Factory podcast.
Today, we'll be diving deep into the transformative power of Neurolinguistic Programming, or NLP, in the realm of youth work.
Discussing:
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The concept of 'anchoring' in NLP.
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The use of anchoring in various fields, including stand-up comedy and sports.
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How anchoring can be used in youth work.
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Practical applications of anchoring in your interactions with young people.
As the festive season is just around the corner, we'll also discuss how holiday conversations can serve as anchors for pleasant memories and experiences.
Get ready to not only understand the theory of anchoring but also to learn its practical applications in your interactions with youth. So, whether you're a seasoned youth worker or just starting your journey in this field, I hope this episode promises to offer valuable insights and practical tools to enhance your skills.
As always I invite you to get this weeks DIGITAL DOWNLOAD (No email required)
Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
Welcome to another session in our free ten part training course, Neurolinguisitc programming in residential youth work. Every week I'll deliver what I call commutable chunks of information. I aim to offer amazing ideas that you can listen to on the bus and practice at work.
I'm your host Michael Dawson, and today we delve deep into the powerful world of beliefs and how they shape our lives. This episode is specifically tailored for those of us who are in the front lines of residential youth work, dealing with young lives every day, and helping them navigate the often complex world of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
In today's episode, we're exploring the profound impact of beliefs on our actions, especially in the context of residential youth work.
I'll talk about two boys who, despite similar upbringings, developed different belief systems leading their lives to take drastically different turns. I'll also unravel how beliefs, right from core to surface level, can influence our readiness to take risks or explore new things.
I want to know how we can adopt or adapt Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques into residential youth work. I'll delve into the importance of relationships, the power of visualization, the impact of positive and negative reframing, and why being a trusted source is so crucial.
In this episode, you'll learn:
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How beliefs, from core to surface level, influence our actions and behaviors.
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The role of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in residential youth work.
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The importance of relationships.
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The power of visualization and reframing.
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How to adapt NLP techniques to provide valuable support to young people in residential youth work.
You won't want to miss this enlightening discussion on leveraging NLP to empower both young people and youth workers.
As always I invite you to get this weeks NOTES (No email required)
Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
Welcome to another session in our free ten part training course, Neurolinguisitc programming in residential youth work. Every week I'll deliver what I call commutable chunks of information. I aim to offer amazing ideas that you can listen to on the bus and practice at work.
In this episode, we're set to explore the remarkable power of goal setting and the influence of positivity in the field of residential youth work. We'll uncover how to utilize the SMART principles, NLP techniques, and a plethora of other tactics to inspire youngsters to envision their accomplishments and genuinely claim their goals.
We'll also talk about the power of reshaping pre-existing beliefs, how this can lead to a shift in outlook, and how this empowers young individuals to attain their dreams. This episode is a must-hear for youth workers or anyone enthusiastic about uplifting the next generation.
We'll delve into how fostering sincere relationships with young people can have a considerable impact on their personal development journey. Prepare to uncover fresh perspectives, tactics, and much more in this enlightening episode.
Key takeaways from this episode include:
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The effectiveness of SMART criteria and NLP techniques in motivating youth.
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The role of reframing existing beliefs in altering perspectives and achieving aspirations.
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The importance of fostering authentic relationships.
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The transformative power of goal setting in residential youth work.
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Strategies and tactics to inspire young people to take ownership of their dreams.
As always I invite you to get this weeks Download NOW (No email required)
Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
Mastering Communication in Residential Youth Work
🔊 Welcome back to the Action Factory Podcast, the hub for all things related to residential youth work!
In this episode, "Mastering Communication in Residential Youth Work," we continue our enlightening journey through our audio course on NLP in residential youth work.
Designed as 'commutable chunks' of wisdom, these sessions are perfect for on-the-go learning, whether you're on the bus or taking a break at work.
🌟 Highlights:
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Dive into the NLP Communication Model: The diverse ways we process information, crucial for both you and your clients.
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Decode Dominant Systems: Recognizing dominant sensory systems - visual, auditory, and kinesthetic - can drastically improve your communication skills.
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Practical Observations: Observe clients and colleagues to identify their communication styles, and perhaps uncover your own!
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Interactive Elements: Consider ways to apply these concepts in everyday interactions.
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Enhance Your Toolkit: Gain insights into how adapting your communication style to match others can create more meaningful and effective interactions in your work.
🌐 For newcomers, don't forget to check out our website at https://www.theactionfactory.com to grab your fascinating free download and stay updated with our upcoming product launches.
⏰ This episode promises to be succinct yet packed with valuable insights, respecting your time and catering to the fast-paced nature of what you do.
👥 We unravel the intricacies of the NLP communication model, tailored specifically for the dynamic field of residential youth work. Learn to identify and adapt to various communication styles, enhancing your ability to connect with and support the young people in your care.
📝 Remember, downloadable notes and additional resources are available to supplement your learning journey.
No email required, CLICK HERE.
The BIG Four Download
You're welcome to join our community, and share your thoughts.
Stay tuned for an episode that promises to transform the way you communicate and connect in your professional world. See you there! 🌟🎧
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
Body Language, NLP and residential Youth Work.
I’m Michael Dawson, and welcome to another episode of the Action Factory podcast where we are deep into the free audio course, “Neurolinguistic Programming in Residential Youth Work”.
For ten weeks, we will be breaking down NLP tools and examining ways of incorporating them into your daily work. I call them 'commutable chunks' because each episode can be listened to on the bus and practiced at work. This week, we delve into the transformative world of youth work through the power of body language.
I'll discuss the SMILE Toolkit, which I developed as a body language hack. It's become my secret weapon in revolutionizing how I approach residential work, and I’m excited to share its potential with you. Youth work is no longer just about counseling and guidance. It's about truly understanding and connecting with the young individuals we work with. It's about decoding the unspoken, understanding their silent cries, their hidden joys, their unexpressed fears, and so much more.
This podcast is your guide to understanding neurolinguistic programming, a key tool in reshaping youth work. Join me as I dive into the world of non-verbal communication, uncovering how small shifts in body language can make a significant impact. We'll explore practical applications of the SMILE Toolkit in a residential setting, revealing how you can harness this potent tool to revolutionize your work with youth. I'll be sharing valuable insights and tips, and discussing real-life examples and cases.
Moreover, I'll be offering this free training to help you master the nuances of body language and neurolinguistic programming. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the youth work sector, this podcast will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to foster a deeper connection with the young people you work with and truly make a difference in their lives.
So, join me in the greatest job in the world, as we revolutionize youth work, one gesture at a time.
Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button to make sure you don’t miss out on any of our upcoming sessions. And remember, the supporting notes are just a click away, ready to enhance your learning experience.
Visit us at www.theactionfactory.com
Grab the FREE DIGITAL NOTES
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
I'm Michael Dawson from the Action Factory, and I am delighted to welcome you to session two of our audio course, "NLP in Residential Youth Work." If you're just tuning in, don’t worry - you can always hop back to session one and catch up with us. These insightful weekly sessions are always completely free of charge and delivered in commuter-sized chunks. Listen on the bus and deliver at work.
This is your golden opportunity to delve into the world of NLP and unlock its incredible potential for residential youth workers like you.
Remember to head over to theactionfactory.com to snag your free download with access to our treasure trove of training courses. While you’re there, I invite you to learn about my mission - to convince you that your role as a residential youth worker is,
'The Greatest Job in the World.'
In today's session, we’ll be taking a journey back to the 70s - a fascinating era that laid the groundwork for the development of NLP. We’ll explore the inception of NLP and the profound impact it has had on the field of psychology and therapy. From the visionaries who pioneered this groundbreaking technique to the innovative ways it can be applied in youth work today, this session is packed with valuable insights and actionable takeaways.
So, let’s dive into the incredible world of NLP and uncover the secrets to becoming an even more effective and impactful residential youth worker. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button to make sure you don’t miss out on any of our upcoming sessions. And remember, the supporting notes are just a click away, ready to enhance your learning experience. Let's get started!
Visit us at www.theactionfactory.com
Grab the FREE DIGITAL NOTES
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
I'm Michael Dawson from the Action Factory, and I'm thrilled to kick off session one of our free 10-part audio course, "NLP in Residential Youth Work."
In this session, we're going to lay the groundwork for the transformative journey ahead. We'll delve into the fascinating origins of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) along with my rode colored memories of the 70's. We unpack the basic key ideas that form the foundation of this powerful tool. Consider this your roadmap as we prepare to dive deep into the rich landscape of NLP in the coming weeks.
And, as the course title suggests, every lesson will be crafted within the framework of residential youth work. We're not just learning about NLP in a vacuum - we're exploring how these tools and techniques can be applied directly to your day-to-day interactions and challenges as a residential youth worker. This is practical, actionable knowledge that you can start using immediately.
The best part? This entire course is completely free. We believe in the power of NLP and we want to make sure these tools are accessible to everyone.
You can download the notes for each session and get your hands on the free PDF that accompanies this podcast, ensuring you have all the resources you need to fully immerse yourself in the world of NLP.
So, without further ado, let's jump in and explore the fascinating world of NLP and unlock the potential it holds for transforming your approach to residential youth work.
Don't forget to hit that subscribe button to ensure you don't miss out on any of the upcoming lessons. Let's get started!
Visit us at www.theactionfactory.com
Get the session DOWNLOAD NOTES HERE
Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we start, I've created a useful interactive tool designed for key workers to help you keep all the essential information right at your fingertips. It includes essential information, missing persons reports, education, and health details, all readily available when you engage with other professionals.
I call it the 'Key Worker Compass'.
This free, interactive PDF is secure, editable, and shareable. Don’t miss out on this invaluable tool. Download your free copy today. The tool is free, without the hassle of sign-ups, emails, or fees.
Now, let's get started...
Welcome to the Action Factor podcast, your go-to source for all things residential youth work. I'm Michael Dawson.
If you're passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young people and navigating the intricate world of residential youth work, you've come to the right place.
In today's episode, we're diving into a journey that promises to make subscribing to this podcast an irresistible choice.
What sets our newer format apart?
Well, we're not just here to talk; we're here to empower. We're rolling out a series of free courses and an abundance of extras designed specifically for residential youth workers who aspire to be better at what they do.
Whether you're an experienced youth worker, just starting out, or someone with a curiosity about this vital field, stay tuned because we've got exciting content and a game-changing course on the horizon. So, let's address the questions you might have: Where have I been? Why should you care? And why is this all connected to subscribing? The answers lie ahead, and I promise you, it's a journey you won't want to miss. So, without further ado, let's get started.
Visit us at www.theactionfactory.com
Grab the free digital download here.
BIG Four Download
Less a sales pitch, more a plea for help. Are you a young persons residential care home manager with a team of between 2 and 12 people?
Care home managers, the Solutions Toolkit is almost here, a game-changing framework designed specifically for residential youth work teams. It’s principle-based so it serves as a foundation for existing regimes and personalities, while seamlessly complementing and enhancing other working models.
In this episode, I want to delve deep into the insights and strategies that will transform your approach to working with young people, while tackling the challenges of making the Solutions Toolkit accessible and universal.
Highlights: - Embrace the three A's (Adopt, Adapt, and Abandon) and the three C's (You, Your Clients, and Your Tools) for a bespoke approach.
Overcome the main training obstacles with the three M's (Mobility, Membership, and Money) An exclusive offer for residential care home managers to participate in the Solutions Toolkit pre-launch for just £250 (instead of the £5,000 launch price)
A two-year money-back guarantee for accepted focus group members
Access a free micro-course on the basic ideas of the Solutions Toolkit at www. theactionfactory.com
If your a residential care home manager with a team of 2 to 12 people then don’t miss this episode.
www.theactionfactory.com
"If you agree to become guest on my podcast then I can't promise you'll sell a million books."
The fact that I wrote these words in my email to Pam and she still agreed to talk to me only increased my admiration for her work. In fact if you are one of those closet woo woo people who believe in the law of manifestation then who better to come out to than Pam herself.
Pam has written 20 books and countless articles for publishing royalty including, Family Circle, CNN, Washington Post and many more.
Her book E-Squared (one of my favourites) topped the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into 40 languages.
There's a video version of our brief chat on our YouTube channel or the podcast website under the video menu if your finding this elsewhere.
www.theactionfactorypodcast.com
I guess you're also wanting to find out more about Pam and her work. Click below to go to her website and check out the books and free fun things to add a smile to your day.
Pam Grout Books
We are all familiar with the Big Issue vendors on the streets of our cities.
I was privileged to talk to a few of them in Manchester UK. The Big Issue magazine is now worldwide and provides a legal income for the homeless as well as support to get them back off the streets.
In talking to these guys and doing the recordings there was a common thread through their stories. In the main they tended to be intelligent professional people, a soldier, an award winning chef and more. We spoke to lots more homeless people and the second noticeable thing tended to be life trauma of some kind, alcohol, divorce etc. The slippery slope isn't always as far away as we think.
Thanks to Leon, Mark, Christian and the others for their fascinating insight.
I don't think I ever passed a big issue vendor after doing this recording and maybe you won't either.
THE BIG ISSUE
One of our favourite NLP mantras which in most cases is true.
"The problem you have now was once the solution to another problem."
A sure fire bit of wisdom and it was interesting to hear Rich Rolls mention this concept when he was being interviewed about his battle with alcohol.
I wanted to share my thoughts and encourage you to hear the interview with Rich.
I personally spoke with Rich and I'll be posting that soon. He is an ultra athlete, multiple 100 mile plus runs and triathlons. He was once named as one of the fittest humans on the planet.
In the meantime HERE'S THE VIDEO I'm referencing in this episode.
Since I began people geeking I've been reading books, watching YouTube and listening to podcasts by the guru's, the masters of change. I recently became fascinated by that subliminal backlog of life advice that in most cases I'd never followed. That was when I realised that there was a bloody lot of it.
Start your day with this and never do that, adding it all together would mean a hundred things to do before breakfast!
In retrospect I actually DID try some of it ,and it's stuck with me to this day but in the main the gurus have only managed to garner knowing nods of approval from me.
Getting up at 4am might make you as strong as the Rock, or as good a writer as Stephen King or as smart as Elon Musk. An ice cold shower might make me as vibrant as Anthony Robbins but...
I realise now that caution is needed, after all when they ask me how I became a great writer it won't be getting up at 4am, it will be write in service stations and lunch breaks. (Thanks for that Michael.)
The advice of others doesn't always fit into our lives and in the main, the ones who really hold the secret to happiness are probably not too worried about telling us.
Most are too busy just being happy. The rest of the happy people are so happy they can't stop telling us, and what could be worse if your not?
Still I hope you like my subliminal check list for a successful life.
www.theactionfactory.com
Ray Edwards is getting himself ready to climb Kilimanjaro. At 19500 ft it's a challenge for any climber but Ray is a quadruple amputee. When we spoke he was able to describe the circumstances that brought him here and his dream of setting up a charity that could faithfully support other amputees.
That charity is Limbcare and was partially formed by Ray in June 2010. His book 'I'm still standing' is a bestseller as well as receiving an MBE for his work.
I spoke to on my FM radio show some years ago just before he attempted the climb of Kilimanjaro.
You can check his website to see how he went on with the climb.
In the meantime I'm really pleased to have found this recording and I certainly hope I can track Ray down and catch up soon.
Welcome to the Action Factory Podcast - We are expats living here in France and one thing we notice that's honoured here in Europe is Armistice day. Nothing moves on the day and in our rural area most shops and businesses close to show respect in the village square.
It marks the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, World War I came to an end after four brutal years of fighting.
I went and had a conversation with some of the guys who spent their younger years fighting in the Second World War.
It was great to meet them and I hope you enjoy the conversation.
www.theactionfactory.com
Doing the podcast here has taken me back a few years to the thing I loved most during ten years on FM radio. Talking to the most interesting and fascinating people I could find.
For that reason and because thousands of you now listen to us I have changed the name of the podcast to the Action Factory Podcast.
This will enable me to open up our remit and seek out fascinating people. It's all selfish and it's all for me but still, if you'd like to share or click something for a stranger then please do. After thousands of downloads we have very few subscribers.
This week I'm introducing a chat I had with an organisation called Lifeshare. They provide services for Manchesters homeless such as breakfasts and Christmas dinners.
They are at www.lifeshare.org.uk where you can volunteer or donate.
Welcome to the solutions toolkit podcast from the Action Factory, we are the developers of the solutions Toolkit, a framework for working with young people in a care environment.
After a cycle across Europe and the building of the new studio I spent some time thinking. Not what the hell got me here but most importantly who the hell got me here?
I thought it would be interesting to say it out loud because in the main it was people like you. Residential carers, social workers and teachers.
I also have news about the audio course we have started recording, watch out for it here. I wanted something you could listen to in the car and practice at work. No homework, notes or study. Subscribe or visit the website for review copies soon.
Download the Ebook free here. www.theactionfactory.com/free-book
I believe that solution focused workers don't need to be therapists and they don't need problems to solve. Having had comments both in person and online about my attitude towards traditional therapists and their methods I thought it worth some clarity.
I often quote in sessions my Aunt Betty, of course Aunt Betty doesn’t exist in reality as a person but she does exist. In fact Aunt Betty might even be you.
So before I explain let me tell you something about Aunt Betty. She is an extremely positive person, she is someone who is always fun and reassuring to be around. In a crisis it’s aunt betty who remains calm and focuses on the positive. In fact when things go wrong in life then it’s Aunt Betty that people gravitate to. People who talk to aunt betty about problems always come away feeling more upbeat and positive about a solution, the problem seems smaller and sometimes afterwards it seems to evaporate all by itself. The funny thing about Aunt Betty is this. She never gives advice or instruction or any of those things. Yes Aunt Betty will tell stories or mention her experiences but never directs them at anyone. Whenever I talk about Aunt Betty then I’m talking about any one of our clients, the social workers, teachers and residential workers whom we train in solution focused working. As i said earlier I could be talking about you.
So here’s the thing. Aunt Betty isn’t trained in the solution focused approach, she certainly never did any therapeutic training either formal or informal. She has no degree’s and wouldn’t know the first thing about therapy. She has no experience and never wrote a book or paper.
However, let me ask you a question
Is she the kind of person that you'd prefer to approach in a crisis?
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Download the Ebook free here. www.theactionfactory.com/free-book
I suffer from solution focused bias, I see it everywhere. Yesterday I was reading a very old book called the power of the subconscious mind by Dr John Murphy. It was first published in 1963.
Although John Murphy doesn't refer to the miracle question, mainly because it wasn't invented in 1963 I recognised that there might be some lessons for us within his words. In this podcast I pull out three principles that he insists we apply to our subconscious thought process. Once the miracle question is adopted then surely this is a subconscious thought process for your clients. Used in your work then these principles can help you multiply its power and thus multiply the effect with clients. I think these three principles might serve us when using our own version of the miracle question.
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Physically speak out loud
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Repeat daily.
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Speak in the present tense.
They can't be followed verbatim, then again neither can the solution focused approach. We help our clients adapt and adopt this powerful model (sfbt) into their working lives. A thing we call proactive therapy. It helps improve lives and it doesn't look for problems.
Get the podcast notes by clicking here
You can still get the FREE 92 page Ebook by clicking here. https://www.theactionfactory.com/free-book
There are a number of principles behind the solution focused approach that are unchanging under any circumstance. Like Issac Newtons laws of motion they apply in every situation. Whether you're a professor of solution focused therapy or simply my aunt betty, if your solution focused then these laws apply.
If you can apply these in your work then you will be a solution focused worker. Everything else is simply the tools. As we discuss in the podcast, Issac Newtons laws are principles. Our tools such as airplanes, rockets and human cannonballs are just tools. Likewise in practice we have to start with the 'LAWS' of the solution focused approach.
ALSO: Exciting news as we launch our individual training course online. Over 2.5 hours of video content designed to take the solution focused model out of the therapy room and into your workplace. Launch offer.
Join us at www.theactionfactory.com
Join the FREE webinar.
Grab the PDF Series.
Follow the podcast.
The three overlapping circles that define a solution focused worker. In other sessions we have spoken about how much power and influence a solution focused worker might have over a therapist.
A solution focused worker is not a therapist, they are youth work professionals, residential workers or teachers. So what makes a solution focused worker.
We thing that it's the centre of three overlapping circles, the sweet spot between you personally, your client and of course the model. Between these three lies a professional who is able to use their role to allow their clients to have better outcomes. To go beyond and of course that's why we do the job in the first place. That and the huge wages, fame and kudos!
As always I'm never right but I love hearing your thoughts. As we say in our training, challenge everything.
Have fun and please thank you for the questions and we will keep addressing them as we go.
HOT NEWS - The new subscription model is now live!
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
Solution focused working, I just don't get it mate!
From experience this is a fairly common reaction form other services or those outside the 'cult'
They see the results and are often stunned by them but should we really care whether they get it or not? In this podcast I talk about my own experience and suggest we shouldn't really care. Having said that I have the solution focused approach in my veins so very often my response is the same as with any client.
I'm the curious inquisitor, I want you to tell me why and how you don't get how the solution focused approach works. I'd be curious as to what you think might work better?
Perhaps a problem expert, highly qualified in other peoples lives with a store of answers and numerous qualifications?
As always I'm never right but love to hear your thoughts.
Have fun and please thank you for the questions and we will keep addressing them as we go.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
The S.I.M.PL.E acronym is something we use in our training to give workers something to grasp onto when the conversations stall. It's never a first resort but can act as a good last resort and get you to the shore, get the wheels spinning again.
S - Scaling Questions
I - Interpretation
M - Miracle Question Again
PL - Place both emotionally and physically
E - Emotion
A simple memory aid for when it might slow down.
Have fun and please thank you for the questions and we will keep addressing them as we go.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
It's your fault, not the clients!
This week I'm talking about those times when your work seems to be heading off course or stalling. Before you hit the rocks you need to head for some lifeboats and save yourself.
This time I want to point the finger at you or (me), after all, it has to be the first place we look. We already know the client has the answers. We know our job is to be curious in helping them find the answers. If thats true then the reason we are running aground is right there with us, we are steering the conversations after all.
So it's time to put your tin hat on and ask yourself some difficult and uncomfortable questions.
Whenever I do this I learn two things.
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I usually don't like the answer or the questions.
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It usually turns out to be me.
Have fun and please thank you for the questions and we will keep addressing them as we go.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
Questions, questions, questions in SFBT. I passionately believe that our role when using the solution focused approach is to be the curious inquisitor. To resist offering solutions at all costs and to use our curiosity to probe the problem from new angles. Out of that curiosity will come the clients own solution.
If this is true then everything we do is about questions or in the words of
Thomas S. Kuhn
“The answers you get depend on the questions you ask.”
In this episode I wanted to break down some of the top ten categories of questions. Not so we can learn them but to be aware of them and to ask ourselves as we speak with our clients.
The people we train work in social care professions and they are not therapists but they want to help their own clients live better lives by using the solution focused approach.
Have fun and please thank you for the questions and we will keep addressing them as we go.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
Welcome to the solution focused toolkit podcast.
Moving on from the last episode I wanted to expand a little bit more on what we do after delivering our own 'working' version of the miracle questions and where those answers might take us. Solution focused therapy will not copy and paste into a work environment and therefore everything we do in our training is about adapting the tools for you.
In this episode we take our first peek into some of the tools we can use once we have some natural responses to work with. The solution focused model is an amazing vehicle for having positive impact on your clients lives, it doesn't need problems.
Have fun and please thank you for the questions and we will keep addressing them as we go.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
The Miracle Question and you.
The whole reason for us developing the solution focused toolkit training was because we know the solution focused model will not copy and paste into your work environment. That's why when you join us for training we will say that we don't want to make you a therapist, we want to not, not make you a therapist. In short to make you a solution focused worker.
So what about the miracle question?
How are you able to bring this ridiculous sousing question into your day to day working life? In this episode we discuss the miracle question and then dismantle it and help you put it back together for yourself. To develop your own will enable you to have it available in your holster, ready to draw upon at anytime.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
Since we launched the podcast there have been a few comments and questions from various channels. In this episode I thought I'd pause to answer a few of them. Please keep your comments and questions coming in although in future I'll probably answer one a week.
Thanks so much for being there and you are greatly appreciated. Remember if your within our target audience then you probably have the greatest job in the world.
Working in the care industry such as social work, residential and care and helping improve peoples lives.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
Do you trust the cops?
Whether you do or don't, you might be making assumptions about them that can cloud your judgement and the way you engage with them. So what about your client's, when dealing with your clients what kind of assumptions do you make about them? It works in the same way.
As a solution focused professional working in numerous roles, and training the same, I have gathered a list of assumptions I always use with my clients. These may or may not be true but I don't care because I'll always work as if they are true.
I've used them so long I may have got them from solution focused, stolen from other models or maybe made them up?
They have served me well and one or two of them might serve you too.
I'd love to hear your comments.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
There are four big reasons why therapy works and most of them don't involve the therapist. It's an uncomfortable truth that the main components in a positive outcome are held by the client themselves. In this episode I talk about what this means for the solution focused approach and how it empowers the professional to work with client problems.
Once we know the client holds the solution then it sets us free to work in a solution focused way.
Social workers, youth workers and residential workers are now empowered to support their client group in a new way, by giving them their own room instead of a therapy room.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
It's so easy to get lost in the depths of academia when dealing with people and problems. However I challenge the idea that the certificates and diplomas are actually necessary? After all, the people who really came up with the solution focused approach had no idea they were doing it, they just were.
These people have not gone away, they are possibly you, possibly your colleagues or family members. Seeing them and noticing them is a huge help to any ongoing personal development in the approach.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
In this very quick episode I wanted to talk about the solution focused attitude within your service. Not the wonderful talk strategies we employ but the fabric of the service itself. The feel of the whole, the physical signals that are endemic within the service. Things so easy to forget when we are caught up in fighting fires and tight budgets. I've always said that people are mentally similar to groups, countries, companies and football teams. All these things have a kind of mental health of their own. So how's your service feeling today?
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
Like many of the tools we introduce 'stories' are not strictly endorsed within the solution focused arena. However our work isn't for the therapy room, it's for the workplace. I know from experience in business and in all my roles in social care, mental health and education that stories hold immense power. In this episode I tell my own story and layout the reasons why you need them in your work.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
Solution focused therapy has it's drawbacks or so they say. In this episode I work through some common but puzzling objections to the solution focused model. I argue that many of these objections are only valid when operating outside the framework of solution focused work. My opinion is by no means the end of the argument because there's no right or wrong answer, I simply hope that this episode opens some discussion about it.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
We specialise in adapting the solution focused model into the workplace. Before considering this incredibly powerful approach with your team then there are some things to consider. After all you are not therapists and you don't want to be. That's why so often traditional solution focused training doesn't translate. In this episode I talk about the advantages and disadvantages of adapting the model into the classroom, youth club or residential home.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
A rough guide to solution focused therapy and its origins. In this episode we also talk about how we adapt the incredible power of solution focused working into your everyday work. We strip it down and build it back up for you in our online training course, the solution focused toolkit. If the training room is my school then this podcast is my playground. Its where I relax to gather my thoughts and ideas.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused
Welcome to the solution focused toolkit. We are the Action Factory, our passion is to take solution focused therapy out of the therapy room and into your workplace. As always we will attempt to strip it down into its component parts and make sense of the model in everyday life. A quick Monday morning listen for all social workers, residential and health workers, in fact anyone in the people business.
Follow our podcast www.thesolutionfocusedtoolkit.com
Team training website : www.theactionfactory.com
Individual training course : https://tinyurl.com/solution-focused