Losing that sinking feeling

Solution-Focused Approaches

Irene Cannan

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Solution Focused Therapy originated from the theories of psychotherapists working at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee. These included Steve de Chazer, Insoo Kim Berg, Yvonne Dolan and Bill O'Hanlan.

What is SFBT?

Solution Focused Therapy is a here-and-now type of psychotherapy that places

emphasis on the present and future. Rather than analysing problems therapists will

attempt to engage the client in conversation about potential solutions,

operating from the viewpoint that change is not only possible but inevitable. It is a

distinctly positive approach to psychotherapy.

Introduction Change is constant and inevitable Clients are the experts and define

goals Future orientation – history is not

essential Emphasis is on what is possible and

changeable - do something differently Short term For use when time is limited

Important Skills

Empathy Unconditional Positive Regard Open Questions Use of silence Warmth Genuineness

Topics of Discussion

Three rules

Strengths of SFBT

Techniques of SFBT

Limitations of SFBT

Incorporating in your work

Three Rules

1. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

2. Once you know what works, do more of it

3. If it doesn’t work, don’t do it again: do something different

Strengths of SFBT From problem to person

› Engaging with the client not just the problem

From what’s wrong, to what’s right› Finding out what the client is already doing which

works

Solution talk, not problem talk Work with what you have, not what is missing Work with here and now, not the past Strength-based vs problem-based Cheer on success

Strengths of SFBT continued

SFBT views client as…

Capable of change Already doing some things right Having resources and strengths to

resolve complaints Motivated for change

Goals of Therapy Help client realise success, even if small Instill hope Help client to “be normal” Help client MANAGE change The therapist’s job is to identify and

amplify change› It is usually unnecessary to know much

about the complaint in order to resolve it› Focus on what is possible and changeable,

rather than what is impossible and intractable

Types of Questions

Goal setting questions

Miracle Questions

Scaling Questions

Exception Questions

Coping Questions

Identifying Goals

What are your goals? How will you continue to accomplish

goals? How will you know when you got what you

wanted from therapy? What will be different? Who will notice? What will they notice?

De Shazer’s Miracle

Suppose that one night, while you are asleep, there is a miracle and the problem that brought you here is solved. However, because you are asleep you don't know that the miracle has already happened. When you wake up in the morning, what will be different that will tell you that the miracle has taken place? What else?

(1988)

The Miracle Question continued

What difference would you (and others) notice?

What are the first things you notice? Has any of this ever happened before? Would it help to recreate any of these

miracles? What would need to happen to do this?

Scaling Questions Can be used in almost any therapy situation

(health, family, couples, or individual) Scale of 1 – 10

› 1 is the worst it’s ever been› 10 is after the miracle has happened

Where are you now? Where do you need to be? How will you feel if you move up one point? How can you keep yourself at that point?

Exception Finding Questions

Exceptions = Differences that make a difference

Tell me about the times when (the complaint) does not occur, or occurs less than at other times

Eg, What times are thinking about other things than cancer… and what are those things?

Encourage the client to describe what they did differently when they were not depressed or anxious, etc

Exception Questions continued

Amplifying the exception› How do you explain to yourself why these times are

different?› How do you achieve that?› What do you do differently then?› Who else is involved that notices the difference?

What do they say or do? What else?› What would you have to do or see for this to happen

more often? What else?

Coping Questions What do you do with your life (eg when not

in bed)? How have you got through things in the

past? (NB not what have you got through in the past?)

What’s a good day look like in here? What would you like of today’s

appointment? Did you have any things you wanted to

bring up/on your agenda? What are your hopes for our work

together….how will you know it’s been worth your while?

Coping Questions continued

Who would be the least surprised if you got through this?

How would your spouse/family/best friend/ dog describe your qualities?

What do you tell yourself that keeps you going?

How do you cope at all? Suppose you’re looking back after you

die and you’re pleased with how you’ve lived, what will you be pleased about

Limitations of SFBT

Make sure that you define the problem and refer to other experts if necessary

If you feel out of your depth, say so

Client should want to work with you

It does not necessarily replace counselling/ psychotherapy

As with all therapies, one size does not fit all

Incorporating in your work

Use SFBT approaches when time is limited to move people on more quickly

Use when the client is resistant to ‘counselling’

Try some of the techniques and monitor the response

Keep practising!

Listen to yourself

Even the most experienced staff feel stressed, overwhelmed and upset at times

Ensure you get regular supervision, even if you think things are ok

Sometimes this sneaks up on us without our noticing