The Basic Principles Of Solution-Focused Therapy

Question 1

What is the ultimate goal of solution-focused therapy?

Answer 1

To assist the client to make changes that direct them to their “preferred” future (I.e., their goal).

Question 2

How do solution-focussed therapists use techniques?

Answer 2

• to explore the clients preferred future.
• identify situations where aspects of the clients preferred future are already occurring.
• facilitate the identification of strengths that the client can draw on to help achieve their desired future.

Question 3

Principle 1: if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

Answer 3

Don’t use therapeutic theory to determine areas of intervention.

Question 4

Principle 2: if something is working, do more of it.

Answer 4

Amplify and build upon things that are currently working.

Question 5

Principle 3: if it’s not working, do something different.

Answer 5

Even if it’s a good idea, if it’s not working, find another solution.

Question 6

Principle 4: Small steps can lead to large changes.

Answer 6

Begin with small, doable changes; these typically happen and quickly lead to more change.

Question 7

Principle 5: the solution is not necessarily directly related to the problem.

Answer 7

Focus on moving forward, not on understanding why there is a problem.

Question 8

Principle 6: the language requirements for solution development are different than those needed to describe a problem.

Answer 8

Problem-talk is negative and past-focused; solution talk is hopeful, positive, and future focussed.

Question 9

Principle 7: no problem happens all the time; there are always exceptions that can be utilised.

Answer 9

Even the smallest exception is useful for identifying potential solutions.

Question 10

Principle 8: the future is both created and negotiable.

Answer 10

Clients have a significant role in designing their future.

Question 11

Problem-focused language versus solution-focused language.

Answer 11

Solution- focused therapy avoids “problem-focused” dialogue and instead seeks to identify client goals and strengths.

Question 12

What are the only agents of change used in the solution-focussed approach?

Answer 12

Client goals and strengths.

Question 13

What are therapeutic discussions centred around?

Answer 13

*discovering what the client wants (goals),
* identifying existing solution behaviours (strengths, successes and resources).
* exploring the future - what will be different in the clients life when the problem is resolved or when the client is coping as well as possible.

Question 14

Is the goal of solutions-focused therapy to promote change?

Answer 14

Yes

Question 15

Is the goal of solution focused therapy to provide insight or understanding into the clients problems?

Answer 15

No

Question 16

What is assumed about the client in solutions-focused therapy?

Answer 16

That clients are competent and have the ability to find solutions for their problems - they have simply lost direction or awareness.

Question 17

Does solution-focused therapy see the client as pathological or flawed?

Answer 17

No. Rather it helps the client to remember their strengths and find what works for them

Question 18

What are clients who attended therapy in a “problem-oriented state” encouraged to do?

Answer 18

They are encouraged to talk about goals and possibilities in order to move into a “solution-focussed” frame of mind.