Abstract
This paper serves as a tool for discussion and is divided into four parts: to begin with, a brief description of the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy approach is provided. Then provided is a description of the history and development of this therapeutic approach including common developmental and environmental factors. Next an overview of the prevalence of teen substance abuse and the possible cause’s teens chose to abuse illicit drugs and or alcohol is given. Lastly, this report will describe how the Solution-Focused-Brief Therapy approach can be applied as a therapeutic means to helping teens with substance abuse problems. Conclusions will indicate a support for the applicability of the Solution Focused Brief Therapy with teen substance abusers in counseling.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Introduction
Adolescence is a time of dramatic changes including significant physical, social, emotional, accompanied by changes in cognitive development. Intellectually and cognitively, adolescents are making the transition to the abstract thought processes.
This is a critical period in how an adolescent views themselves, and these physical self-perceptions shaped at this period are important to understanding the start of wide range of social changes and challenges. Such change as substance abuse is a well-known characteristic change.
Engle, and Macgowan, (2009), indicated that “the evidence suggests that counseling is a viable modality for treating adolescent AOD abuse despite recent concerns to the contrary” (Engle, Macgowan, 2009). Most types of psychotherapy involve exploring feelings, being validated, finding explanations, exploring wishes and dreams, setting goals, and gaining more clarity.
Every therapist has unique ways of working with clients, based on his or her personality, training, and views of how people change.
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