Counseling Theory: Solution Focused Therapy

One counseling theory that we can apply to Steven’s situation is solution-focused therapy. When using solution focused therapy, we would view Steven’s problem as him just having a lack of solutions. We, as the therapist would put as little personal issues and input as possible to focus on Steven and his struggles. A counselor views the client as the person who can fix the problem and they are only a catalyst to help them realize this. The problems always have a solution and without focusing on the solution the client may wind up stuck on a problem without moving past it. The counselor will look to have a non-expert or “not-knowing” stance when they have the counseling session and will most likely be trying to find the solution in a short amount
On one hand, students may feel angry or annoyed at the hands off nature of the therapist. Students may feel as if they are looking for answers or just have someone tell them what to do. When a therapist tries to make it a collaborative effort, students may feel they are wasting time and that the therapist isn’t doing enough. Therapists are also keeping a fast pace and students might feel they are being rushed out. A therapist would need to reassure and communicate clearly the goals of the therapy to sate the students and make them feel safe and taken care of. The other way students can feel is comfortable and happy. This therapy is known for being used for college students. Many times, the problems students have are easy to fix such as roommate issues, home sickness, and class struggles. Students are coming to professional staff members in college to find quick fixes to their problems. This therapy uses a quick pace and even offers the option of one session to solve the problem. Students might thrive with the speed of this therapy and react well to the action and energy
Steven is the right age and in the right situation to respond well to solution focused therapy. As a counselor, we can use this to our advantage. At the end of the semester, we want to help him overcome his issues and indecision and still get him on track with his studies. The speed of this therapy is to our advantage and we can help him get on track as soon as possible and hopefully avoid any issues with him picking a major. Solution focused therapy will also force Steven to figure out what he actually wants out of his college experience and will help him lean towards what he actually