Solution-focused theory

Introduction According to Gladding (2011), the idea of family is not universal; it varies amongst different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Throughout the course of the semester, several theories of marriage and family have been introduced and acknowledged. Over the course of time, society has influenced and altered the structure of family life, thus altering the methods and techniques in which therapy for couples and families are provided. A study conducted by Bradley et al. (2008) suggests that when individuals/families seek counseling or therapy, they are more likely to encounter a therapist who practices “cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, or Bowen family systems rather than a therapist whose primary orientation to treatment is collaborative language or second order cybernetics” (p. 290). When I think of the term family therapy, it not only applies to a traditional family consisting of a husband, wife, and children. There are several types of families: the nuclear family (traditional family), single-parent family, dual-career family, military family, etc. As a result, there is a wide array of therapies or theories available that is suitable for all types of families. Some of the theories include the following: Psychodynamic Family Therapy, Bowen Family Therapy, Experiential Family Therapy, Behavioral Family Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Family Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, Strategic Family Therapy, Solution-Focused Family Therapy, and Narrative Family Therapy. One of the marriage and family therapies that sparks an interest is the Solution-Focused Family Therapy; it can be classified as one of the most recent styles of family therapy.
Overview of solution-focused family therapy Solution-Focused Therapy, according to Gladding (2011), is a very brief form of therapy that is goal-focused; it helps the clients determine possible resolutions as opposed to having primary focus on the issue itself. In addition, this type

References: Bradley, P. D., Bergen, L., Ginter, E. J., Williams, L. M., & Scalise, J. J. (2010). A survey of North American marriage and family therapy practitioners: A role delineation study. American Journal Of Family Therapy, 38(4), 281-291. doi:10.1080/01926187.2010.493119 Conoley, C. W., Graham, J. M., Neu, T., Craig, M. C., O 'Pry, A., Cardin, S. A., & ... Parker, R. I. (2003). Solution-focused family therapy with three aggressive and oppositional-acting children: An N=1 empirical study. Family Process, 42(3), 361. de Castro, S., & Guterman, J. T. (2008). Solution-focused therapy for families coping with suicide. Journal Of Marital And Family Therapy, 34(1), 93-106. doi:10.1111/j.1752- 0606.2008.00055.x Gladding, S. T. (2011). Family therapy: History, theory, and practice. Upper Saddle River, NY: Pearson Education Lloyda, H., & Dallos, R. (2008). First session solution-focused brief therapy with families who have a child with severe intellectual disabilities: Mothers ' experiences and views. Journal Of Family Therapy, 30(1), 5-28. doi:10.1111/j.1467-6427.2008.00413.x Price, D. M. (2004). Rebuilding shattered families: disclosure, clarification and reunification of sexual abusers, victims, and their families. Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 11(4), 187-221. doi:10.1080/10720160490903701 Sutherland, O. (2007). Therapist positioning and power in discursive therapies: A comparative analysis. Contemporary Family Therapy. 29, 193-209. doi:10.1007/s10591-007-9050-2