Discussion
Solution-Focused Therapy
Learning Objectives
Necessary Paradigm Shifts
Stages of Intervention
Client Characteristics
Intervention Techniques
Application
Necessary Paradigm Shifts: A Note about Strengths-Based Social Work
Coady & Lehmann Ch. 6
SBSW as a meta-theory
Strengths-based social work is a meta-theory for how we are to practice
Solution-focused therapy, and others like it, can fall underneath the umbrella of the strengths-based perspective
Jane Addams provides early accounts of the emphasis social work places on strengths
Evidence shows that despite histories of trauma and dysfunction, the vast majority of people who experience difficult circumstances are still able to survive, and oftentimes thrive
SBSW rejects a problem orientation to practice
Aligns with social work values of the dignity and worth of persons
Necessary Paradigm Shifts
Build solutions rather than solve problems
Emphasize health
Keep it simple
Promote problem-free talk
Change is inevitable
Present and future focus
Do what works
Small changes deal with big issues: “A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step”
TED talk
Moving from a problem-focused to solution-focused mindset:
What are some of the assumptions that drive this way of thinking?
How do you think this way of thinking might benefit clients?
What drawbacks do you think this way of thinking might have for clients?
Stages of Intervention: Define the Problem
Video 1: Solutions Step by Step: Introducing the model and observing how solution-focused therapists help clients define their “situation”
**Video beginning through 5:49; 8:40 through 11:34
What was unique about how the therapist introduced herself and defined the client’s problem?
Stages of Intervention: Develop Goals
Video 2: 2:26 through 4:58;
Stated positively, using the client’s own words
Action-oriented
Structured and present-focused
Attainable within a short, specific time frame
Determined and controlled by the client
What was unique about how the therapist helped the client define his goals? What do you think would help with better identifying the goals, when resistance is met?
Stages of Intervention: Ask Miracle Questions
Miracle question can assist with goal-setting and instilling hope:
Video 3: 4:13 through end; beginning of Video 4 through 1:02
Stages of Intervention: Explore for Exceptions
Practitioners assist clients in eliciting “exceptions,” times when the problem is either not a problem or is lessened in terms of duration, severity, frequency, or intensity.
What was happening when these exceptions occurred?
How did you feel when these exceptions occurred?
When exceptions are identified, the practitioner explores with clients the strengths and resources that were utilized.
When you are doing better, what will be happening?
When our work here is successful, what will be different?
Stages of Intervention: Evaluating progress
Assessment is a significant part of treatment
Assessment is focused on “surface” issues
Client is the assessor
Scaling questions
Stages of Intervention: End-of-session feedback
Relationship is collaborative
Client can provide feedback to practitioner; practitioner can give feedback to client
Solution-Focused Therapy
Techniques
Miracle question
Looking for previous solutions
Compliments
Exception questions
Coping questions
Scaling questions
Normalizing
Focus on the client
Noticing
Laura
What does solution-focused therapy tell you about how to approach Laura’s past history and trauma?
What are some of the questions you would ask Laura if you were approaching her case from a solution-focused lens?
In Laura’s case, what do you think is the major benefit of using this model?