Frequently Asked Questions About Solution-Focused Counselling

1. What is the Solution-Focused approach?

The solution-focused approach is a form of brief therapy, which has revolutionized the field of psychotherapy. It is a powerful, practical model that focuses on how to get change quickly. It emphasizes the use of solution-focused questions to draw forth client strengths, resources and visions of a future when the problem is solved. More importantly, it makes your job easier, because it focuses on helping the clients to come up with solutions that fit for them. This reduces the pressure on you to be "the expert" who must provide the solution.

2. Can this model work with all types of problems?

Yes! The solution-focused model has proven to be effective with a variety of problems including substance abuse, mental illness, sexual and physical abuse, school problems, crisis intervention, and family violence. It is particularly helpful to counsellors who have a time-limited contact with clients. It is useful in working with individuals, families, couples groups and organizations.

3. Do I have to be a "therapist" in order to use this model?

No! I have taught this model to childcare workers, nurses, school principals, teachers, dieticians, physicians, managers and others. They like the model because it empowers them as well as their clients.

4. Can this model be used in any setting?

Yes. This model has been used in inpatient psychiatric settings, group homes, residential treatment, de-tox centres, substance abuse programs, family preservation work in clients homes, child welfare, schools, and community based counselling programs. All of this is well documented in the literature.

5. Why should I learn this model?

It will help you to: become more effective in your work; make the most of every interview with a client; move to solutions more quickly; and to negotiate achievable goals with clients. I wish I had learned this model earlier in my own career. It has improved my work 100 percent!

6. Does Brief Therapy really work?

Many outcome studies have documented the effectiveness of brief therapy.

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