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Dr Cynthia G. S. Franklin is an academic, clinician, researcher and teacher with an international reputation for her groundbreaking work. She is best known for her expertise in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and the mental health of young people, families and communities. Dr Franklin is Stiernberg/Spencer Family Professor in Mental Health at The University of Texas at Austin, where she is also past Associate Dean for Doctoral Education in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work.

Dr Franklin has more than 200 academic publications to her name and is Editor-In-Chief for the Encyclopedia of Social Work. She was previously Editor-In-Chief of the journal Children in Schools.

Dr Franklin was co-developer of a highly successful solution-focused program designed to prevent dropouts at Gonzalo Garza Independence High School in Austin. The program has been widely acclaimed on a national scale.

Dr Franklin has received multiple awards across her career, including the Gary Lee Shaffer award for academic contributions to school social work. She was also named a Social Work Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Clinical Social WorkThe University of Texas at Arlington1989
Master of Arts (MA), PsychologySpalding University1986
Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)The University of Texas at Arlington1981
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Texas Woman’s University1980
5 Honors and Awards
Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education2020
Donna Harrington Mentor Award for Excellence in Mentoring Doctoral Students
National Association of Social Workers2018
Pioneer Award
American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare2017
Inductee
School Social Work Association of America2017
Gary Lee Shaffer Award for Academic Contributions to the Field of School Social Work
National Association of Social Workers, Texas Chapter2017
Lifetime Achievement Award
5 Books
Book cover of "Clinical Assessment for Social Workers: Quantitative and Qualitative Methods"
Book cover of "Solution Focused Brief Therapy in Alternative Schools: Ensuring Student Success and Preventing Dropout"
Book cover of "The School Services Sourcebook: A Guide for School-Based Professionals"
Book cover of "The Church Leader's Counseling Resource Book: A Guide to Mental Health and Social Problems"
Book cover of "Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: A Handbook of Evidence-Based Practice"
Courses featuring Cynthia Franklin
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Help clients build solutions. This course teaches you the core principles of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), a powerful, strengths-based approach that fosters rapid and meaningful change. Learn how to guide clients toward their goals by leveraging their existing resources, resilience, and successes - making therapy more dynamic, hopeful, and action-oriented.

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