Solution-Focused Therapy

Question 1

Theory - (de Shazer & Berg) (8)

Answer 1

1. Change language in order to change meaning
2. Multiple perspectives of reality
3. Client already knows what to do to solve problem
4. Rejection of resistance
5. Small change is all that is needed (like MRI)
6. Change is inevitable (but when?)
7. Effective treatment can occur w/o therapist knowing presenting problem (turn problem on its head)
8. Focuses on the future

Question 2

How Symptoms Develop? (3)

Answer 2

1. Faulty attempts at solving problems
2. Client seen as “stuck” (IPCM)
3. Client constrained by narrow views of problem, creating rigid patterns of false solutions

Question 3

Goals of Therapy (3)

Answer 3

1. Defined by what client wants different in their lives
2. Client will believe problem will resolve
3. Workable goals: -smaller than larger
   - salient to client
   - described in concrete behavioral terms
   - achievable in context of client’s life
   - perceived by client as doing hard work
   - start of solution process, not end of problem
   - involving new behaviors

Question 4

Therapy set-up (2)

Answer 4

• Who is seen: anyone interested in presenting problem, not necessarily whole family
• Role of Therapist: to move client away from worry and toward solution steps

Question 5

Therapy Process (2)

Answer 5

1. Develop well-defined goals for client

2. Generate solutions based on EXCEPTIONS (when the problem is not the problem)

Question 6

Interventions (3)

Answer 6

1. Perception questions
   - exception finding (when is problem not happening?); coping; miracle (if miracle happened, what would it be?); scaling (on a scale of 1-10…)
2. Giving compliments
3. Assignments
   - formula 1st session task (what do you want to have happen more often?)
   - Prediction task (exceptions can happen)
   - generic tasks (do something different)