Solutions-focused therapy is a relatively new and welcomed therapy developed by Steve de Shazer and his wife Insoo Kim Berg, in 1979 at their institute, the “ Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin” (Guterman, 2010, p. 350). Shazer was interested in how to “influence change” (Nichols, 2008, p. 346). Solution-focused therapy deals in solutions as opposed to dwelling on problems. Increasingly stringent budgeting constraints emphasize the need to develop shorter and more focused therapy sessions without sacrificing successful outcomes (Nichols, 2008). The drawback to solution-focused therapy would be that for those not experienced, therapists may be unable to decipher what real underlying issues are involved (Guterman, 2010). The therapist would need to know if a client who drank too much, also worked in a bar. In a case such as this and others like it, the solutions will take on different dimensions than to only refrain from drinking. Counseling clients often requires that the therapist is able to “read between the lines.” Training in the basics of solution-focused therapy can occur in just a few workshops, which does make it an enticing adjunct to other trainings (Guterman, 2010). Becoming proficient in the processes of solutions-focused therapy take more time than just a quick workshop, as proficiency oftentimes requires a shifting of central attitudes (Iveson, 2002). Central to solutions-focused therapy are clichés relevant in working with clients. One of these clichés is fear freezes or stagnates a person while courage and faith can energize a person enabling them to move forward and progress. We know that clients experiencing fear and depression are sickler where as clients who are upbeat and positive... ... middle of paper ... ...therapist (Iveson, 2002). Works Cited Guterman, J. T. (2010, March 20). Advanced techniques for solution-focused counseling . Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 13, 349-358. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com Iveson, C. (2002). Solution-focused brief therapy. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 8, 149-157. Retrieved from http://apt.rcpsych.org Mayo Clinic Staff. (2009). Agoraphobia: Symptoms: When to see a doctor . Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/agoraphobia/DS00894/DSECTION=symptoms Nichols, M. P. (2008). Family therapy: Concepts and methods (9th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Social Security Administration of the United States. (2008). Mental Disorders - Adult. In Disability evaluation under Social Security (Blue book, Section 12.0,. Retrieved from http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/12.00-MentalDisorders-Adult.htm
Seligman, L., & Reichenberg, L. W., (2010). Solution-focused brief therapy. In J. Johnston (Ed.), Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: systems, strategies, and skills.Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education
Gladding, S. T. (2010). Family therapy: History, theory, and practice (5th Ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson
The evidence base for Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT) contains a rich history of research not only by its founders, but also by a wide range of professionals within the fields of counseling and psychology. Johnson and Greenberg (1985) first examined the effectiveness of the EFT model by comparing the outcomes of EFT treated couples to those of couples treated in a traditional problem-solving manner. Through newspaper recruitment and subsequent assessment interviews, 45 couples were chosen to participate in a study in which 15 were randomly assigned to EFT treatment, 15 to cognitive-behavioral problem-solving treatment, and 15 to a control
The Solution Focused Therapy approach concentrates on working with the individual to determine a problem and then determine solutions to the problem (Content Guide 3, n.d.). Essential aspects of Solution Based Therapy include: introducing new perspectives, grasping the adolescents point of view, identifying one’s strengths, and holding the adolescent accountable by having them explain their exceptions and feelings (Content Guide 3, n.d.). The various techniques utilized in Solution Based Therapy consist of: clearly defining the problem and stating measurable solutions, asking open-ended questions, exploring actions that “make a difference”, addressing the importance of change, giving feedback, complimenting, giving the adolescent “homework” exercises, and lastly tactfully using supportive and respectful language towards the individual (Content Guide 3, n.d.). The strengths of Solution Based Therapy include working with the adolescent to recognize smaller problems that lead up to their overall problem of substance abuse (Content Guide 3, n.d.). This is because many adolescents do not think nor view their substance use as an actual issue (Content Guide 3, n.d.). Limitations/ weakness of Solution Based Therapy include an individual being reluctant to define any problems that they think are contributing to their substance abuse, therefore potential solutions can not be identified, and this is the
Roth, A., Fonagy, P. (2005). What works for Whom? A Critical Review of Psychotherapy Research. US: Guilford Press.
Smith, M. M., & Segal, J. P. (2014, February). Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Retrieved 03 10, 2014, from HelpGuide.org: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/generalized_anxiety_disorder.htm
Life dissatisfaction could even lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors (Flett, 2007). Therefore the client should be treated in a valuing and respectful way so that he/she could see that their life and their problems are important and serious, but can be improved. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is characterized as a class of interventions that share a basic assumption that mental disorders and psychological distress are maintained by cognitive factors (Hofmann, Asnaani, Vonk, Sawyer & Fang, 2012). The pioneers of this treatment approach were Beck and Ellis and the core idea behind this approach is that maladaptive cognitions contribute to the maintenance of emotional distress and behavioral problems (Hofmann, Asnaani, Vonk, Sawyer & Fang, 2012). According to Hofmann, Asnaani, Vonk, Sawyer and Fang the modern CBT could be described as a family of interventions combining various cognitive, behavioural and emotion-focused techniques (as cited in Hofmann, Asnaani, Vonk, Sawyer & Fang, 2012). The ultimate goal of CBT is reducing the symptoms and improving the functioning resulting in a remission of the disorder or distress (Hofmann, Asnaani, Vonk, Sawyer & Fang,
Duty, G. (2010, December 10). Family Systems Therapy. Lecture presented at Principles of Counseling Class Notes, Bethany.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy is a unique approach to therapy that neither focuses on the past nor the future but on what is possible now. SFBT is a post modern approach to therapy that became popular in the 1960's and 70s based on the theory that posits small progress can lead to long term change. This approach was created by...creatorsThe clients and the counselor collaborate to establish realistic goals that can be reached in a relatively short period of time. The counselor works to create an environment where clients can be honest. SFBT believe that analyzing problems is not needed in the process of change. Behavior change is seen as an integral part of change in clients therapeutic process. Both the counselor and the client come together to create goals to incite a change in behavior.
Treatment under this model is one of problem solving and utilizing an individual’s strengths to overcome his or her issues. The goal is to foster empowerment and self-sufficiency in order for the client to return to his or her environment (Woodside & McClam, 2014).
Gehart, D. (2014). Mastering competencies in family therapy: A practical guide to theories and clinical case documentation. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Nichols, M. P. (2010). Family therapy concepts and methods (9 ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
In this article, the author discusses a model created by Nicholas Hobbs called the Re-EDucation model. The article focuses on four principles used within the model, “trust between adult and child is essential, competence makes a difference, self-control can be taught, and in growing up, a child should know some joy each day and look forward to some joyous event for the morrow” (Shepard, 2011). I feel this form of Re-Education model based counseling could be extremely beneficial to Mark and his family. I feel it is very important that Mark and Mr. Walker work on establishing trust within their relationship. I also believe a healthy functional relationship between Mark and his family is possible; however I think the entire family could benefit from understanding and acknowledging their capability and competency in establishing a healthy family relationship. Mark could definitely benefit from the teaching of self-control outlined in this model, as well as the focus on finding some joy in today and looking forward to something joyful in tomorrow, this idea is similar to that of the instillation of hope. I believe this Re-Ed model would be a great tool and model in working with Mark and his family in a therapeutic
Nichols, M. P. (2011). The essentials of family therapy. Boston, Ma.: Allyn and Bacon. (Original work published 5th)
goes on. It does not stop for anyone or anything. Yet, human beings function because of the motivators of life. These primary and secondary motivators are food, love, sex, and work. With these motivators, humans do not only live to survive. They live to enjoy life and to gain experience. Motivators can also bring despair and erode relationships. Although these motivators can initiate coalitions between individuals, therapy can suffice and address problems that arise from those coalitions. From a social and cultural perspective, therapy enables people to question how and what we are motivated by in life. Through critical thinking, therapy delves past the outer core of our understanding and into our subconscious in order to answer these questions.