Solution-focused therapeutic methods

Tomáš Matjaž Zídek ORCID logo
Filozofická fakulta Univerzity Karlovy

Abstract

Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a particular therapeutic approach that has gained international recognition. It has a strong focus on descriptions of the future, identifying observable signs of progress, and useful behavioral patterns in the client’s life. This article describes standard solution-focused interventions that can be observed during Solution-focused Brief Therapy session. These interventions are universal tools that have been used in different fields: organization development, education, coaching, supervision, and more. By reading this article readers will gain an understanding of these basic methods, and how they can be applied. The article is not a supplement for professional education but provides insight into what these interventions can achieve. The reader is encouraged to conceive possible applications of these solution-focused interventions—the purpose of reading this article is to gain a basic understanding of these methods. All of the interventions can be applied inside or outside of the therapeutic context.

https://doi.org/10.29364/epsy.468

Keywords

solution-focused brief therapy, miracle question, scaling question, exception question

Literature

Berg, I. K., & Dolan, Y. M. (2001). Tales of solutions: A collection of hope-inspiring stories. Norton.

Berg, I. K., & Kelly, S. (2000). Building solutions in child protective services (1st ed). Norton.

Berg, I. K., & Miller, S. D. (1992). Working with the problem drinker: A solution-focused approach. W.W. Norton.

Berg, I. K., & Steiner, T. (2003). Children’s solution work (1st ed). Norton.

Biro, J., & Kotatko, P. (Eds.). (2013). Frege: Sense and reference one hundred years later (Reprint). Springer Science+Busines­s Media.

Burgstaller, S., & Iveson, C. (2019). Team Talk: Building Excellence with Solution Focused Skills. Usolvit.

Cauffman, L. (2001). Challenging the family business: The relational dimension. Scandinavian Journal of Organisational Psychology, 11.

Česká asociace pro psychoterapii. (2023, May 10). Česká asociace pro psychoterapii, z.s. – Certifikované výcviky. https://czap.cz/…ane-vycviky/

Česká psychoterapeutická společnost. (2023, May 10). Česká psychoterapeutická společnost ČLS JEP. https://www.psychoterapeuti.cz/

De Jong, P., & Berg, I. K. (2013). Interviewing for solutions (4th ed). Cengage Learning.

De Shazer, S. (1985). Keys to solution in brief therapy (1st ed). W.W. Norton.

De Shazer, S. (1994). Words were originally magic (1st ed). W.W. Norton.

de Shazer, S., Dolan, Y. M., & Korman, H. (2007). More than miracles: The state of the art of solution-focused brief therapy. Haworth Press.

de Shazer, S., & Molnar, A. (1984). Four useful interventions in brief family therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 10(3), 297–304. https://doi.org/…84.tb00020.x

Dolan, Y. M. (1991). Resolving sexual abuse: Solution-focused therapy and Ericksonian hypnosis for adult survivors (1st ed). Norton. Dolan, Y. M. (2000). One small step: Moving beyond trauma and therapy to a life of joy. iUniverse.

Eakes, G., Walsh, S., Markowski, M., Cain, H., & Swanson, M. (1997). Family centred brief solution-focused therapy with chronic schizophrenia: A pilot study. Journal of Family Therapy, 19(2), 145–158. https://doi.org/…7-6427.00045

European Association for Psychotherapy. (2023, May 10). European Association for Psychotherapy | EAP | Welcome. European Association for Psychotherapy. http://www.europsyche.org/

Franklin, C., Trepper, T. S., McCollum, E. E., & Gingerich, W. J. (2011). Solution-focused brief therapy: A handbook of evidence-based practice. Oxford University Press.

Greene, G. J., Lee, M.-Y., Mentzer, R. A., Plnnell, S. R., & Niles, D. (1998). Miracles, Dreams, and Empowerment: A Brief Therapy Practice Note. Families in Society, 79(4), 395–399. https://doi.org/…044-3894.701

Iveson, C., George, E., & Ratner, H. (2012). Brief coaching: A solution focused approach. Routledge.

Iveson, C., Ratner, H., George, E., & ProQuest (Firm). (2012). Solution focused brief therapy 100 key points and techniques. Routledge.

Jackson, P. Z., & McKergow, M. (2007). The solutions focus: Making coaching and change simple (2nd ed). Nicholas Brealey International.

Lee, M. Y. (2013). Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Encyclopedia of Social Work. https://doi.org/…839.013.1039

McCollum, E. E., & Trepper, T. S. (2001). Family solutions for substance abuse: Clinical and counseling approaches. Haworth Clinical Practice Press.

McKergow, M. (2020). SFBT 2.0: The next generation of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy has already arrived. Journal of Solution Focused Practices, 2(2), 18.

McKergow, M., & Bailey, H. (2014). Host: Six new roles of engagement for teams, organisations, communities and movements. Solutions Books.

Molnar, A., & de Shazer, S. (1987). Solution-focused therapy: Toward the identification of therapeutic tasks. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 13(4), 349–358. https://doi.org/…87.tb00716.x

Pichot, T., & Dolan, Y. M. (2013). Solution-focused brief therapy: Its effective use in agency settings. Routledge.

Reuss, N. H. (1997). The Nightmare Question. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 8(4), 71–76. https://doi.org/…085V08N04_06

Rhodes, J., & Ajmal, Y. (2004). Solution focused thinking in schools: Behaviour, reading and organisation. BT Press.

Russell, B. (2010). The philosophy of logical atomism. Routledge.

Shazer, S. de, & Isebaert, L. (2004). The Bruges Model. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 14(4), 43–52. https://doi.org/…085v14n04_04

Trepper, T., Mccollum, E., Jong, P., Korman, H., Gingerich, W., & Franklin, C. (2014). Solution-focused therapy treatment manual for working with individuals. https://doi.org/…483352930.N2

Weiner-Davis, M. (1992). Divorce busting: A revolutionary and rapid program for staying together. Summit Books.

Whitehead, A. N., Russell, B., & Whitehead, A. N. (1997). Principia mathematica (Pbk. ed). Cambridge University Press. Wittgenstein, L. (1968). Philosophical investigations. Basil Blackwell.

Show all Hide