Solution Focus Theory Essay
Theory:
Solution Focus
Key Concepts
Solution Focus therapy is illustrated by techniques
The miracle question
Exception questions
Scaling questions
Presupposing change.
Moving towards solution
Goal formulation
Solution focus therapy is grounded on a positive orientation. The view of solution focus is people are healthy, competent, and resourceful, and have the ability to construct solutions to enhance their lives. This therapy is concerned with looking for what is working with the assistant of the therapist. The therapy process is to focus on creating solutions rather than talking about the problems
Key Theorists
Steve de Shazer
Insoo Kim Berg
Appropriate Populations for the Theory
Solution focus can be …show more content…
used with children families’ court mandated, addictions, depression, relationship difficulties, relationship breakdown, eating disorders, and anger management.
Inappropriate Populations for the Theory
Solution focus is brief so for clients that are need of in depth long-term therapy should not seek solution focus therapy. It is also not good for clients who are dependent and clients with mental health issues.
Therapist’s Role
The therapist 's role is to see a person as more than their problem, to look for resources rather than deficits, to help clients identify goals or 'preferred futures, ' to identify and amplify existing strengths and resources, and to identify and make use of 'exceptions to the rule. The therapist focus is on is on identification of solutions, In the process of therapy the therapist involves building rapport, identifying problem patterns, establishing goals, exploring strengths and solutions, emphasizing positive coping and predicting, and preparing for relapse. This should be done by asking scaling questions, paraphrasing, listening and giving the client ideas to think about.
Client’s Role
The client learns to build the elements that will be given by the therapist which will form the basis for ongoing change. The client instead of searching for the cause of the problem the focus is on defining the changes and making them a reality. Also the should focus on unblocking the negative thinking as well as learn that there are exceptions to every problem.
Theory Strengths
It is collaborative in its approach.
It focuses on the client competencies.
There are exceptions to every problem.
Help clients to view their problems in a different light.
Help client to understand small change fosters bigger change.
Helps clients to want to change, giving them the capacity to change and to do their best to make change happen. Corey, G. (2005).
Key Terms
Miracle question- is a technique that counselors can use to assist clients to think ‘outside the square’ in regard to new possibilities and outcomes for the future.
Exception Questions-Having an understanding of what the client hopes to achieve and the counselor and client can begin to work towards these solutions.
Scaling Questions- invites the clients to perceive their problem on a continuum. Scaling questions ask clients to consider their position on a scale (usually from 1 to 10, with one being the least desirable situation and 10 being the most desirable).
Presupposing change-When the clients is focused on changing the negative aspects (or problems) in their lives, positive changes can often be overlooked, or discounted due to the ongoing presence of the problem.
Is this Theory Research-based.
Researched and Evidenced.
Special Training Requirements
SFBT therapists should posses the requisite training and certification in mental health discipline, and specialized training in SFBT. The ideal SFBT therapist would possess (a) a minimum of a master’s degree in a counseling discipline such as counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or psychiatry; (b) formal training and supervision in solution-focused brief therapy, either via a university class or a series of workshops and training.
Theory:
Narrative
Key Concepts
Externalizing the Problem
Unique Outcomes
Alternative Narratives
Key Theorists
Micheal White
David Epston
Appropriate Populations for the Theory
Clients requiring long term therapy.
Inappropriate Populations for the Theory
Narrative Therapy can be challenging when the individual is not articulate. Lack of confidence, intellectual capacity and other issues could also undermine the expression of the individual through a narrative.
Therapist’s Role
The therapists’ role is to listen attentively to clients stories to search for times in the clients lives when they were resourceful. Ask questions in a way to engage the clients. Avoid diagnosing and labeling clients. Therapist should:
Become active facilitators.
Show openness and empathy.
Help clients construct a preferred alternative story.
To help client separate the problem from the people instead of person own the problem.
To create a collaborative relationship with the client being the senior partner.
Client’s Role
Having empowerment. To realize they are the expert, of his/her story instead of attempting to predict it. This standpoint enables the client to explore many of the important aspects of good interpersonal communication, such as: demonstration of care, interest, respectful curiosity, openness, empathy, and fascination.
Theory Strengths
Narrative Therapy allows the client to search his or her past and find a hidden problem that the client finds is dominating their lives. The past can be painful for the client, and the client may find relief when they are able to edit and rewrite their story. This theory strength also focuses on the client 's strengths and opportunities for growth rather than weaknesses and failures. This includes the client to begin the process of change and re-authoring.
Theory Limitations
Narrative is a fairly new theory despite being a widely used approach, particularly when combined with other therapeutic approaches; Narrative Therapy has certain boundaries and limitations. Diverse clients may expect the therapist to act as the expert, instead of having to ‘conduct’ the conversation themselves. This can make Narrative Therapy challenging when the individual are not articulate or have lack of confidence, intellectual capacity.
Key Terms
Deconstructive show how stories are constructed; situate narratives in larger systems.
Renaming- Support client efficacy by sharing authorship and expertise with client.
Perspective-explore other people’s views of the client.
Opening Space low hopeful thoughts, actions to surface and be explored; highlight patient efficacy regarding the problem.
Hypothetical Stimulate patient’s imagination to envision different,(MIRACLE) more hopeful futures.
Preference Check to make sure that exceptional moments are actually preferred to the problem story; establish patient preferences.
Is this Theory Research-based? Evidence-based?
Narrative research originated from literature, history, anthropology, sociology, sociolinguistics, and education, different fields of study have adopted their own approaches (Chase, 2005).
Special Training Requirements
Workshops
Extensive Training
Masters degree or higher
Theory
Feminist
Key Concepts
Reclaiming Power.
Client knows what is best for her life and is the expert on her own life.
Emphasis on educating clients about the therapy process.
Traditional ways of assessing psychological health are challenged.
Assumed that individual change will best occur through social change.
.
Clients are encouraged to take social action.
Theorist
There is no single theorist it is a collective effort of many:
Jean Baker Miller, M.D.,
Carol Zeerbe Enns, PH.D
Olivia M. Espin, PH.D.,
Laura S. Brown, PH.D
Appropriate Population
For men/women who want to focus on improving in areas such as assertiveness, communication, relationships, and self-esteem. Also appropriate for families.
Inappropriate populations for the Theory
Women who do not embrace and understand the feminist movement.
Therapist Role
To be knowledgeable concerning gender role socialization and the impact these standards have on what it means to be a woman or a man.
Be aware of the impact of the distribution of power within the family and power differentials between men and women with decision making, child rearing, career options, and division of labor.
Therapists understand the sexist context of the social system and its impacts on both the individual and the family.
The therapists is committed to promoting roles for both women and men that are not limited by cultural or gender stereotypes.
Clients Role
Clients are active participants in the therapeutic process. Feminist therapists are committed to ensuring that this does not become another arena in which women remain passive and dependent. It is important that clients tell their stories and give voice to their experiencing. Initially, clients may look to the therapist for answers or advice.
Theory Strength
Feminist Therapy focuses on empowering women and helping them discover how to break the stereotypes and molds of some traditional roles that women play that may be blocking their development and growth.
Theory Limitations
Price may be high for clients whose cultural worldview is violated by feminist principles Persuading client to work towards more egalitarian relationships in therapy may violate cultural norms.
The therapist job is not to take away any pain in struggle not to choose for client, but to be present in such a way that client will truly be empowered core values of equality & individuality in feminist therapy limit effectiveness of therapists in working with clients from culturally different backgrounds.
Key Terms
Gender Differences: The gender difference perspective examines how women 's location in, and experience of, social situations differ from men 's.
Gender Inequality: Gender-inequality theories recognize that women 's location in, and experience of, social situations are not only different but also unequal to men 's.
Gender Oppression: Theories of gender oppression go further than theories of gender difference and gender inequality by arguing that not only are women different from or unequal to men, but that they are actively oppressed, subordinated, and even abused by men.
Structural Oppression: Structural oppression theories posit that women 's oppression and inequality are a result of capitalism, patriarchy, and racism.
Is this Theory Research-based? Evidence-based?
Both evidenced and
researched
Special Training Requirements
Workshops,
Extensive Training
Masters degree or higher
References:
Coleman, D. (1998). Working with Emotional Intelligence. (1st Ed.). London: Bloomsbury Publishing.
Corey, G. (2005). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Denning, S. (2004). Steve Denning: The website for business and organizational storytelling. (www.stevedenning.com/What_story.html).
De Shazer, S. (1985) Keys to Solution in Brief Therapy. New York: Norton.
De Shazer, S. (1988) Clues: Investigating Solutions in Brief Therapy. New York: W.W.Norton.
De Shazer, S. (1991) Putting differences to work. NY: W.W. Norton & Co.
Polkinghorne, D. (1988). Narrative Knowing and the Human Sciences. Albany N.Y.: State University of New York Press.
Sharf, R. (2004). Theories of Psychotherapy & Counselling. (3rd Ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Thomson Learning.
Solution Focus
Key Concepts
Solution Focus therapy is illustrated by techniques
The miracle question
Exception questions
Scaling questions
Presupposing change.
Moving towards solution
Goal formulation
Solution focus therapy is grounded on a positive orientation. The view of solution focus is people are healthy, competent, and resourceful, and have the ability to construct solutions to enhance their lives. This therapy is concerned with looking for what is working with the assistant of the therapist. The therapy process is to focus on creating solutions rather than talking about the problems
Key Theorists
Steve de Shazer
Insoo Kim Berg
Appropriate Populations for the Theory
Solution focus can be …show more content…
used with children families’ court mandated, addictions, depression, relationship difficulties, relationship breakdown, eating disorders, and anger management.
Inappropriate Populations for the Theory
Solution focus is brief so for clients that are need of in depth long-term therapy should not seek solution focus therapy. It is also not good for clients who are dependent and clients with mental health issues.
Therapist’s Role
The therapist 's role is to see a person as more than their problem, to look for resources rather than deficits, to help clients identify goals or 'preferred futures, ' to identify and amplify existing strengths and resources, and to identify and make use of 'exceptions to the rule. The therapist focus is on is on identification of solutions, In the process of therapy the therapist involves building rapport, identifying problem patterns, establishing goals, exploring strengths and solutions, emphasizing positive coping and predicting, and preparing for relapse. This should be done by asking scaling questions, paraphrasing, listening and giving the client ideas to think about.
Client’s Role
The client learns to build the elements that will be given by the therapist which will form the basis for ongoing change. The client instead of searching for the cause of the problem the focus is on defining the changes and making them a reality. Also the should focus on unblocking the negative thinking as well as learn that there are exceptions to every problem.
Theory Strengths
It is collaborative in its approach.
It focuses on the client competencies.
There are exceptions to every problem.
Help clients to view their problems in a different light.
Help client to understand small change fosters bigger change.
Helps clients to want to change, giving them the capacity to change and to do their best to make change happen. Corey, G. (2005).
Key Terms
Miracle question- is a technique that counselors can use to assist clients to think ‘outside the square’ in regard to new possibilities and outcomes for the future.
Exception Questions-Having an understanding of what the client hopes to achieve and the counselor and client can begin to work towards these solutions.
Scaling Questions- invites the clients to perceive their problem on a continuum. Scaling questions ask clients to consider their position on a scale (usually from 1 to 10, with one being the least desirable situation and 10 being the most desirable).
Presupposing change-When the clients is focused on changing the negative aspects (or problems) in their lives, positive changes can often be overlooked, or discounted due to the ongoing presence of the problem.
Is this Theory Research-based.
Researched and Evidenced.
Special Training Requirements
SFBT therapists should posses the requisite training and certification in mental health discipline, and specialized training in SFBT. The ideal SFBT therapist would possess (a) a minimum of a master’s degree in a counseling discipline such as counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or psychiatry; (b) formal training and supervision in solution-focused brief therapy, either via a university class or a series of workshops and training.
Theory:
Narrative
Key Concepts
Externalizing the Problem
Unique Outcomes
Alternative Narratives
Key Theorists
Micheal White
David Epston
Appropriate Populations for the Theory
Clients requiring long term therapy.
Inappropriate Populations for the Theory
Narrative Therapy can be challenging when the individual is not articulate. Lack of confidence, intellectual capacity and other issues could also undermine the expression of the individual through a narrative.
Therapist’s Role
The therapists’ role is to listen attentively to clients stories to search for times in the clients lives when they were resourceful. Ask questions in a way to engage the clients. Avoid diagnosing and labeling clients. Therapist should:
Become active facilitators.
Show openness and empathy.
Help clients construct a preferred alternative story.
To help client separate the problem from the people instead of person own the problem.
To create a collaborative relationship with the client being the senior partner.
Client’s Role
Having empowerment. To realize they are the expert, of his/her story instead of attempting to predict it. This standpoint enables the client to explore many of the important aspects of good interpersonal communication, such as: demonstration of care, interest, respectful curiosity, openness, empathy, and fascination.
Theory Strengths
Narrative Therapy allows the client to search his or her past and find a hidden problem that the client finds is dominating their lives. The past can be painful for the client, and the client may find relief when they are able to edit and rewrite their story. This theory strength also focuses on the client 's strengths and opportunities for growth rather than weaknesses and failures. This includes the client to begin the process of change and re-authoring.
Theory Limitations
Narrative is a fairly new theory despite being a widely used approach, particularly when combined with other therapeutic approaches; Narrative Therapy has certain boundaries and limitations. Diverse clients may expect the therapist to act as the expert, instead of having to ‘conduct’ the conversation themselves. This can make Narrative Therapy challenging when the individual are not articulate or have lack of confidence, intellectual capacity.
Key Terms
Deconstructive show how stories are constructed; situate narratives in larger systems.
Renaming- Support client efficacy by sharing authorship and expertise with client.
Perspective-explore other people’s views of the client.
Opening Space low hopeful thoughts, actions to surface and be explored; highlight patient efficacy regarding the problem.
Hypothetical Stimulate patient’s imagination to envision different,(MIRACLE) more hopeful futures.
Preference Check to make sure that exceptional moments are actually preferred to the problem story; establish patient preferences.
Is this Theory Research-based? Evidence-based?
Narrative research originated from literature, history, anthropology, sociology, sociolinguistics, and education, different fields of study have adopted their own approaches (Chase, 2005).
Special Training Requirements
Workshops
Extensive Training
Masters degree or higher
Theory
Feminist
Key Concepts
Reclaiming Power.
Client knows what is best for her life and is the expert on her own life.
Emphasis on educating clients about the therapy process.
Traditional ways of assessing psychological health are challenged.
Assumed that individual change will best occur through social change.
.
Clients are encouraged to take social action.
Theorist
There is no single theorist it is a collective effort of many:
Jean Baker Miller, M.D.,
Carol Zeerbe Enns, PH.D
Olivia M. Espin, PH.D.,
Laura S. Brown, PH.D
Appropriate Population
For men/women who want to focus on improving in areas such as assertiveness, communication, relationships, and self-esteem. Also appropriate for families.
Inappropriate populations for the Theory
Women who do not embrace and understand the feminist movement.
Therapist Role
To be knowledgeable concerning gender role socialization and the impact these standards have on what it means to be a woman or a man.
Be aware of the impact of the distribution of power within the family and power differentials between men and women with decision making, child rearing, career options, and division of labor.
Therapists understand the sexist context of the social system and its impacts on both the individual and the family.
The therapists is committed to promoting roles for both women and men that are not limited by cultural or gender stereotypes.
Clients Role
Clients are active participants in the therapeutic process. Feminist therapists are committed to ensuring that this does not become another arena in which women remain passive and dependent. It is important that clients tell their stories and give voice to their experiencing. Initially, clients may look to the therapist for answers or advice.
Theory Strength
Feminist Therapy focuses on empowering women and helping them discover how to break the stereotypes and molds of some traditional roles that women play that may be blocking their development and growth.
Theory Limitations
Price may be high for clients whose cultural worldview is violated by feminist principles Persuading client to work towards more egalitarian relationships in therapy may violate cultural norms.
The therapist job is not to take away any pain in struggle not to choose for client, but to be present in such a way that client will truly be empowered core values of equality & individuality in feminist therapy limit effectiveness of therapists in working with clients from culturally different backgrounds.
Key Terms
Gender Differences: The gender difference perspective examines how women 's location in, and experience of, social situations differ from men 's.
Gender Inequality: Gender-inequality theories recognize that women 's location in, and experience of, social situations are not only different but also unequal to men 's.
Gender Oppression: Theories of gender oppression go further than theories of gender difference and gender inequality by arguing that not only are women different from or unequal to men, but that they are actively oppressed, subordinated, and even abused by men.
Structural Oppression: Structural oppression theories posit that women 's oppression and inequality are a result of capitalism, patriarchy, and racism.
Is this Theory Research-based? Evidence-based?
Both evidenced and
researched
Special Training Requirements
Workshops,
Extensive Training
Masters degree or higher
References:
Coleman, D. (1998). Working with Emotional Intelligence. (1st Ed.). London: Bloomsbury Publishing.
Corey, G. (2005). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Denning, S. (2004). Steve Denning: The website for business and organizational storytelling. (www.stevedenning.com/What_story.html).
De Shazer, S. (1985) Keys to Solution in Brief Therapy. New York: Norton.
De Shazer, S. (1988) Clues: Investigating Solutions in Brief Therapy. New York: W.W.Norton.
De Shazer, S. (1991) Putting differences to work. NY: W.W. Norton & Co.
Polkinghorne, D. (1988). Narrative Knowing and the Human Sciences. Albany N.Y.: State University of New York Press.
Sharf, R. (2004). Theories of Psychotherapy & Counselling. (3rd Ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Thomson Learning.