Solution Focused Therapy: Theories Used In Task Groups

This paper will focus on client’s presenting concerns and her biopsysocial system. Reader will explore how Solution Focused Therapy and Harm Reduction Therapy are relevant to client’s problems and why they would be most effective for client. Two intervention models that are relevant to the theories chosen will be outlined and how they relate to the client. An intervention plan that includes goals for the client will be evaluated and measured. Finally, the paper will discuss how the model chosen for intervention will have an impact on the macro level of change.

The emergence of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) marked a changing of the guard within the realm of psychotherapy. For the previous century, the profession had been dominated by theories and practices, which was focused on unearthing a client’s repressed memories or family issues in hopes of identifying cracks in their mental and/or their emotional foundation that needed to be fixed. The change in perspective and approach presented by Steven de Shazer and his counterparts provided therapist and clients alike an opportunity to center in on the presenting issue, instead of prolonging the process in search of hidden truths. While de Shazer presented an alternative thought process to the therapeutic process, his model was the culmination of various therapist and models continuing to push the envelope.

 Solution focused therapy is a model of therapy developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg in the late 1970's (Dolan, n.d.). This model has become well known for its non-traditional approach to client problems as it does not explore clients issues in relation to their cause and affect but rather the goals and solutions to achieving a future free of any present issues. i will be discussing the evident concepts, principles and intervention techniques of this particular model. it will be explored in the context of a case scenario of a therapy session to observe how the model can be actively applied to therapy sessions and why this is the best model to meet the client's needs. The effectiveness of the model

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) was drawn out from the work of Milton Erickson. Most people identify SFT with the variation work from Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. Solution-focused therapy is a therapy that is action oriented and focuses on finding solutions. In SFT, the client is considered the expert (they know exactly what the problem is), and the client has the resources to find a solution. SFT does not focus on diagnoses or assessments but focuses on what the client brings to therapy. Depending on the client and the problem, SFT has a 50% successful rate. SFT has many techniques to use to assist in finding solutions for problems. These techniques range from questioning the client to having the client complete homework assignments.

Solution-focused therapy has been criticized for abandoning the expressive progressions of clients, yet, an analysis of works challenges this argument and shows that the use of positive self-talk within the changing process of Solution-focused therapy has been existing since its beginning expansion. This paper will explore the historical context of Solution Focused Therapy and how the theory has evolved. The author will also examine the underlying assumptions of the theory and causes, components of change, target of clinical intervention, and the role of therapist who practice Solution-focused therapy. The author will also attempt to identity multicultural, gender, and social justice issues and compare their targeted theory with other theoretical approaches involving Solution-focused therapy. In the end suggest possible modifications to overcome identified strengths and limitations of Solution Focused Therapy.

The task-centered model was developed by William Reid and Laura Epstein with the goal to implement an effective short-term intervention that focuses on resolving psychosocial problems that the client has identified as the main tasks of the intervention. The task centered model emphasizes on helping clients develop and achieve desire tasks or actions to alleviate their problems and identifies clients as the primary agents of change. Its theoretical framework has been influenced by learning theory, Perlman’s problem solving approach, and behavioral

Bannick’s report indicates that since the client being the expert they can find the solutions to their problems and since the client found the solution the solution will sustain.

My intention was to demonstrate “techniques” from Solution-Focused Therapy to help the family reframe their perceived problems to improve the family’s home life.

It is clear the client is aware of what his presenting problem is and what he believes he should do to help his needs without taking medical prescriptions from his doctor. The client displays his agreement with the commitment to the outpatient program. Though he still questions why he should be taking these prescriptions meds’. The client has a strong support system on the decision he decides to make. This is evident with his father commitment to getting answers why his son was rights were restricted during his manic episode and his family accepting loving and compassionate care. Solution-focused brief therapy, focuses on the client’s strengths than weakness. By switching the focus from the presenting problem to the strength the client displays,

Group work and required tasks are to be distributed evenly or by specific strengths of a given member. Responsibilities are to be balanced by how much one is capable of doing and how adept or willing they are towards working on a given task. All members are to put their best efforts in any given task assign that is assigned to them.

The final step in the structure of the Solution Focused Brief Therapy is to apply the intervention. The Intervention consists of three tasks. The therapist will firstly, provide validation of the client's main problem. The therapist will then compliment the client, this is done to remind the client they have the strength to face there problem and the last step of the intervention is to provide homework, reinforcing the good behaviour. (Quick, 2008).

The solution focused therapist does not act as a problem solver and “avoid[s] any assessment of problems or how they develop” (Grand Canyon, 2012). Instead the therapist listens for times the client did not have the problem or “exceptions” in their past that hold possible solutions for the future (Nichols, 2013, p. 252). Most importantly, during the process of listening, setting goals, identifying solutions and encouraging the client, a solution focused therapist must maintain attitude that is “positive, respectful, and hopeful” (Trepper, et. al.

In the 1980’s Insoo Berg and Steve de Shazer developed steps into the practice of solution focused therapy in Milwaukee, USA. Solution focused therapy is a practice framework for social workers and other therapists. Solution focused therapy is a framework that primarily focuses on solution development. Other Frameworks lead therapy to focus on the past history of the problem that the client brings to therapy, and ending their sessions with a solution to the problem, or when the problem in no longer an issue for them.

People encounter various challenges in life ranging from diseases, lack of basic essential needs and psychiatric problems among others. This has given rise to various forms of therapies being adopted by specialists whilst offering solutions to depressed individuals. Group therapy has taken a center-stage in the management of depression. Butler et al (2008) in their article titled "Meditation with yoga, group therapy with hypnosis, and psychoeducation for long-term depressed mood: a randomized pilot trial" show that depression and anxiety form part of the well-known conditions named by individuals seeking treatment using therapies and complementary alternatives. Alternative therapies include yoga, qigong, tai chi, mediation, and exercise. They argue that people are increasingly using these therapies. Butler provides information claiming that yoga and exercise are effective therapies with high rates than uncontrolled activities (Butler, et al 2008). The authors also demonstrate that these therapies can be compared to established anxiety treatments and depression treatments such as sertraline, cognitive behavioral therapy, and imipramine.

Understanding that solution-focused therapists operate under the assumption that clients already have the necessary skills to solve their problems, it is our job as therapists to help them regain insight into their problems. Therefore, it is understandable why solution-focused therapy is considered a brief therapeutic approach. If the clients already have the ability to solve their own issues then they just need to be reminded of their strengths and resources, shifting the focus.