Solution-Focused Therapy Flashcards
Solution-Focused Therapy
Theory of Change
Change occurs through accessing client’s strengths and resources. Emphasizes finding solutions to a problem, not on discovering the cause or origins of the problem.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Therapists Role
•Therapist is a consultant, coach
Solution-Focused Therapy
Treatment Goals
- Client implements small and large changes to achieve their preferred future
- Client builds oncurrent strengths and resources
Solution-Focused Therapy - Interventions
Exception Questioning
The therapist asks the client to think of a time in his
life when the particular problem did not exist and what the client did differently during this time. The goal here is to focus on what has worked in the past to provide the client with a positive perspective. Example: “Tell me about the times when you don’t get angry.”
Solution-Focused Therapy - Interventions
Miracle Questioning
The therapist asks the client to envision how the future
will be when the problem no longer exists and what her life looks like then. Example: “Imagine that tomorrow morning you wake up and a miracle has
happened. What would be different that will tell you a miracle has happened and your problem has been solved?”
Solution-Focused Therapy - Interventions
Scaling Questions
The therapist asks the client to think of a scale ranging
from the worst things could be to the best. The client then rates his current position on the scale and is asked to identify how he could move up or down
the scale. The client is also encouraged to identify what point on the scale would be good enough or where his “perfect future” is. Example: “You said
that things are between a 4 and a 5. What would
need to happen so that things were between a 5 and 6?”
Solution-Focused Therapy - Interventions
Presupposing Change
Rather than focusing on the problem that brought
the client in, the therapist can ask the client questions to focus on the positive changes that have been occurring. Example: “What’s different, or better since the last time we met?”
Solution-Focused Therapy - Interventions
Coping Questions
If a client has trouble identifying positive change, coping
questions are asked by the therapist in order to illustrate resources that the client already has. This can include validating the client’s difficulties while also
showing that she is still able to get up in the morning, go to school, etc. This highlights the client’s strengths without undermining her view of reality. These questions are supportive while also challenging the client and shifting the focus away from problem-focused narratives. Example: “How do you keep going each day even when it feels like there is no hope?”
Solution-Focused Therapy - Interventions
Affirmations / Compliments
Regularly acknowledge, progress, strengths
and resources. Example: Tell the client, “I am impressed you are sitting in that chair again after what you just went through”.
Solution-Focused Therapy - Phase of Treatment
Beginning
Join with client competencies; Envision preferred future; begin to identify client’s strengths; use
solution-oriented language;come up with achievable goals.
Solution-Focused Therapy - Phase of Treatment
Middle
Identify strengths, resources and traits client already has used to deal with problem; Utilize solution-talk; Identify exceptions to problems; Utilize scaling questions to reflect on the nature of change the client has experienced; Feedback to clients that include compliments and tasks; catch and highlight small changes; compliments / cheerleading.
Solution-Focused Therapy - Phase of Treatment
End
Assist client to identify things they can do to continue the changes they have made; Identify hurdles or perceived barriers that could get in the way of the
changes they made.
