Peter De Jong
Professor of Sociology and Social Work
Office: Spoelhof Center 229
Telephone: (616) 526-6238
E-mail: djon@calvin.edu

Peter De Jong Ph.D. (Western Michigan University), M.S.W. (Michigan State University); taught social problems for several years, has done individual, marital, and family counseling and led many trainings in solution-focused practice at both private and public mental health, family service, and child welfare agencies. He has conducted outcome research on this approach to practice and written a strengths-based, solution-focused training program for the Family Independence Agency (FIA) of Michigan that is trained throughout the state.

Prof. De Jong has co-authored recent articles in Social Work, Families in Society, The Handbook of Solution Focused Therapy, Interviewing Research, and The Social Worker's Desk Reference. He and Insoo Kim Berg are the co-authors of Interviewing for Solutions, a 1998 publication of Brooks/Cole Publishing Company now translated into six languages. The second edition (2002) of this book was recently completed.

Prof. De Jong, with support from FIA and in partnership with Michigan child welfare workers, continues to conduct research and develop new procedures to better serve Michigan's families. He teaches The Helping Interview, Generalist Practice with Individuals and Families, and Social Work Practicum.