Q. I’ve
heard there is a type of therapy that focuses on solutions rather than on
problems. As I understand it, in solution focused treatment the past history of
a person is not important. I’ve also heard that change happens much more
quickly with this type of treatment; that this really works. What can you tell
me about this type of treatment?
A. Solution
focused therapy is quite different from a more traditional, passive model of therapy
in which the therapist listens to and focuses on the client’s thoughts, history, dreams,
symptoms, fears, angers, hurts, guilt, resentment and pain. The focus of
traditional therapy has been on problems and pathology; on the past and on
unconscious issues or issues we attempt to avoid.
In
solution focused therapy little time is spent exploring with the client “Why?,”
“How long?” or “How does it make you feel?” Instead, the Solution Focused
therapist will be more active in directing the therapy and will focus on
solutions and the future.
Solution
focused therapy is based on a number of assumptions. Some of these are:
1. Each
person has strengths and abilities to help themselves. Once these have been
identified and verbalized, the person knows how to solve their problem. Instead
of dwelling on pathology, the focus is on the strengths and abilities the
client has and what they can do about their problem.
2. The
therapist cannot change a client. Clients can change themselves if they want to
do so. Some clients believe their problem is external, “My son has a problem,” or
“My husband has a problem.” Their son or husband may have a problem but the
person seeking the help can only change their own behavior or attitude. This in
turn, will affect their relationships.
3. A
small change can lead to bigger changes. “A journey of one thousand miles
begins with one step.”
4. No one
can change the past. So how much information is necessary? Often therapists and
clients dwell on the past. With someone who has been abused, who has
experienced a trauma or who is grieving, focus on the past may be helpful, I
believe. Eventually, however, we must
let go of the past.
5. Human
interactions are very complex and are not due to true cause and effect. Therefore, does the cause matter? There are
usually many factors causing family conflict, for example. Even if you knew the
cause would it solve the problem? The answer is no.
6. If
something works don’t fix it. If it doesn’t work, do something differently.
Often we keep doing the same thing over and over trying to solve a problem. If
we keep doing the same thing we will keep getting the same result.
Solution
focused treatment asks future-oriented questions that help the client envision
life as they want it to be and figure out from this how to achieve it. For example,
clients are often asked, “If you were to wake-up tomorrow and your problem was
solved, your life was improved, what would be different?” Similarly, the
therapist will help clients note the times the problem does not occur and look
at these exceptions. The question is asked, “What are you doing differently
during the times your life feels good?”
Solution
focused treatment is very practical and is conducive to change. Since it is
future oriented, it guides the client to setting realistic goals in the future
to make their life and relationships move in the direction they desire.
To learn
more about the solution focused approach to change read Divorce Busting and Fire Your
Shrink both by Michelle Weiner-Davis. There is much that is worthwhile and
effective in this approach.
Another
solution focus that works is prayer and seeking God’s presence and wisdom to
guide you.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and
he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Blessings,
Dottie
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