Video Discussion Thread: Solution Focused Brief Therapy or Narrative Therapy
1. How are the theories similar and different?
2. What are some strengths and limitations of each theory?
3. What are some ways that each theory is compatible and incompatible with Biblical
concepts?
4. Based on each theory’s concept of psychopathology, discuss any limitations as far as
creating measurable outcomes for clients.
Hello, the week’s thread is about the Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Narrative Therapy.
Both therapies have several similarities and differences. According to the materials that we read
this week, solution focused brief therapy and narrative therapy are both postmodern approaches,
where clients or patient are viewed as experts of their own life moreover, they both believe that
people are a strong resourceful and are able to make positive changes in their lives without the
need of diagnoses. Implementing goals and achieving goals are quite important for both
therapies. lastly, both therapies emphasize on the counselor client relationship.
Solution focused brief therapy practically focuses on the behavior change, as the most effective
way of enhancing client’s lives. Solution focused brief therapy allow clients to choose their own
goals without focusing on the clients’ past experiences or diagnosis. It provides solutions to
problems without focusing on the problems were as the narrative therapy allow clients to express
their feelings concerning their problems to help changing their perspective in order to introduce
solutions for these problems (Corey, 2021).
Solution focused brief therapy strength is that it centers the focus on the positivity as it is
grounded on the idea that humans are healthy and competent (Tan 2022). According to Corey
(2022), Solution focused brief therapy resemble to our fast-paced world which should show
effectiveness in clients in short time, as a matter-of-fact Solution focused brief therapy can be
wrapped as little as in five sessions. as a strength both Solution Focused Brief Therapy and
Narrative Therapy uses open ended questions and mainly geared towards the future in order to
find and develop solutions (Schwitzer & Rubin, 2015).
Both Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Narrative Therapy requires extensive techniques that
many counselors and therapists who are beginners in the field might unfortunately find a
difficulty in implementing them. additionally, several counselors have found that those
techniques have taken time away from the therapeutic relationship (Corey 2021).
Both theories have Christian world view, as they regard humans to have value and not worthless.
And similar to God’s love towards us the Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Narrative Therapy
focus on loving ourselves and on who we are. Additionally, both believe that that our past
problems and mistakes are irrelevant and pressing forward every person is created with the
capacity to change and become better. Likewise, Christianity believes that in Christ we all have a
better future and better outcomes from our new updated lives with Christ.
Both Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Narrative Therapy have some limitations. clients in
both theories might possibly lose confidence as the therapists takes more of a backseat only
listening and not guiding as the experts. For both theories emphasis on the fact that the clients are
the experts of their own lives (Corey 2022).
Moreover, the fact that both theories do not pursue or require to diagnose their clients makes it
difficult to create any measurable outcomes which leads to a difficulty in collecting data.
Tank you
Corey, G. (2021). ed.). Cengage
Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th
Learning.
Schwitzer, A. M., & Rubin, L. C. (2015). Diagnosis and treatment planning skills: A popular
culture casebook approach. SAGE Publications.
Tan, Siang-Yang. (2022). Counseling and psychotherapy: A Christian perspective. (2nd ed.).
Baker Academic. ISBN: 9781540962904.
