The Practical Pathway of Solution-Focused Approach in Heart-to-Heart Talks by University Counselors

Abstract

Contemporary university students are confronted with multiple challenges, including academic pressure, employment anxiety, and interpersonal conflicts. Traditional approaches to heart-to-heart talks often exhibit limitations, such as “over-reliance on problem etiology” and “the marginalization of student agency,” which hinder their effectiveness in addressing students’ individualized needs and enhancing the efficacy of counselors’ work. Grounded in the solution-focused approach (SFA), this study employs a literature review methodology to systematically examine the core tenets of SFA—namely, its “solution-oriented perspective” and emphasis on “accumulating small changes”—as well as key techniques such as empowerment-oriented questioning and action reinforcement. Integrating these elements with the specific context of university counseling dialogues, the paper constructs a three-stage application framework encompassing “pre-session preparation, in-session implementation, and post-session follow-up.” This framework is designed to enhance the pertinence and effectiveness of heart-to-heart talks by clarifying conversation goals, focusing on student resources, detailing action steps, and reinforcing outcomes. It aims to provide counselors with actionable guidance while also offering interdisciplinary theoretical support for improving the quality of ideological and political education and mental health counseling in universities. Ultimately, the framework seeks to strengthen students’ agency and autonomous problem-solving capabilities.