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Solution Focused Therapy

Wanda Calderon

Capella University

COUN 5273
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Solution focused therapy is a future oriented postmodern approach to systemic

therapy. The developers of this theoretical application, Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg,

and a host of colleagues, constructed this plan in the 1980s from the influence of

problem-focused therapy being researched at the Mental Research Institute (MRI) (de

Castro & Gutterman, 2008). The premise surrounding the cause for solution-focused

therapy surrounds the notion that the client or the therapist doesn’t have to understand the

root of the problem in order to solve it. Corey (2013) adds, “assessing problems is not

necessary for change to occur” (p. 400). The client chooses the goals they wish to achieve

and the therapist works with the client to promote strengths, or exceptions that have

occurred in an attempt to promote behavior change.

Role of the Therapist

In solution-focused therapy, the therapist’s role is to assist clients in realizing the

strengths already present in their lives. In this theoretical approach, the client is the expert

in deciding what accommodates their cognitive effectiveness (Bliss & Bray, 2009). When

treating couples, the solution focused approach charges the therapist with the task of

maintaining “beginner’s mind” to assist both client’s in understanding their individual

perspectives regarding the presenting issue (Gehart & Tuttle, 2003, p. 208). The therapist

must remain neutral and sensitive to the client’s individual perspectives while remaining

attune to clues of exceptions, strengths, and resources present despite presenting

problems (Reiter, 2010).

Solution focused therapy aims to build the client’s optimism and hope through

exposure of the strengths. This approach accepts the clients for where they are in the life

cycle and promotes an environment where they assist the couple in creating solutions.
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Theory of Change

Because many clients enter therapy from a problem oriented perspective, solution

focused professionals aim to expose strengths and resources present as a way of

reframing the client’s perspective. In solution-focused therapy, the theory of change is to

“shift from the traditional problem focus on the couple’s problem to a focus of solutions

and possibilities” (Gehart & Tuttle, 2003, p. 194). The therapist can identify strengths by

listening for them through the client’s story, or asking the client questions utilizing the

client’s language to shift the approach of a fixed problem to various possibilities of

solutions (Gehart, 2010, p. 369). Solution focused therapy aims utilize the exceptions and

strengths to identify specific preferred behaviors and interactions that promote solution

(Gehart & Tuttle, 2003, p. 194). In couples, the specific preferred behavior would begin

small, such as increasing the amount of affection for one another, and would evolve to

examine increasing communication without tension when there is a stressful situation

present. Solution focused therapy aims to examine what has been working and the

therapist assists the client in expanding on what is working while searching for other

methods of moving past the problem.

Normalcy, Health & Pathology

Solution focused therapy is geared toward normalizing the experiences of the

couple (Reiter, 2010). This approach is implemented to steer clear of the

misinterpretation of isolating or secluding any one person in the relationship. Solution

focused therapy is constructed on the assumption that people are healthy and competent

and have the aptitude to formulation resolutions that enhance their quality of life (Corey,

2013, p. 400). This approach does not focus on pathology and instead works to enhance
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strengths instead of weaknesses or capabilities and not deficits (Trepper, Dolan,

McCollum, & Nelson, 2006, p. 136).

Target of Assessment

Assessment in solution-focused therapy is constructed in the form of goals. The

therapist uses the clients’ present solutions and exceptions to encourage them to identify

small and attainable goals. During an activity called the formula first session task, the

couple can discuss the things that are still positive in their relationship (Chromy, 2007, p.

74). The therapist can acknowledge all strength present within the couple as a means

toward shifting change. Problems are identified in a solution-based perspective that also

shifts change toward optimism. For example, if anger is an issue the couple can discuss

times they are not angry at one another or are less angry at one another. Using the

miracle question as well as scaling questions, the couple will begin to move toward

identifying concrete and solid goals that are attainable and from an optimistic

perspective.

The overall theme for the assessment stage is to formulate goals that are in line with

the clients’ language and worldview and are viewed as important to the client (Trepper et

al, 2006). The focus of goals must implement gain or presence of something, rather than

absence or shortcomings (Trepper et al, 2006).

Intervention Approach

When developing an effective intervention approach for couples implementing

solution-focused therapy, it is important to identify some sort of order in which the

therapeutic process will carry out. Implementing early phase goals will assess the

situation from the client’s perspectives. The therapist is also able to work with the couple
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on identifying the exceptions and solutions present as well as reframing the problems

from a solvable approach (Gehart, 2010, p. 370). The couple is also able to identify

concrete and attainable goals in a positive manner. Middle phase goals are established to

work toward achieving the goals outlined. The couple will learn the importance of

recognizing strengths in one another and will learn to expand on these strengths, offering

compliments when milestones are observed as well as working toward new behaviors.

The couple can use scaling questions to examine progress. Late phase goals aim to

promote effective functioning for the couple through addressing the presenting problems

as well as reinforcing the strength-based union formed. The therapist would take note to

continue to compliment the couple for strength present and the couple will continue to

compliment one another. The couple and therapist would then revisit the techniques that

were successful as a means to stay focused. Identifying factors that would attribute to

falling off track would enhance awareness in the couple to be mindful of when such

factors are present. They would be tasked to implement solution-based learned techniques

that would counteract such diminished progress. The therapist would gauge the couples

perceived progress and satisfaction through scaling questions. (Corey, 2013, p. 405).

When analyzing interventions for solution focused therapy, it is important to

understand their use and when it would be best to apply them. For example, the miracle

question is most effective when asked early in the counseling session as opposed to the

end.

The formula first session task is an intervention that aims to “reorient the client to

focus on opportunities to notice the times when the problem was not a problem, or was

less of a problem” (Gehart & Tuttle, 2003, p. 198). The therapist charges the client with
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the task of taking note to mention these times as a means to expand on current strengths

not otherwise noticed.

The miracle question is an intervention that aims to begin to solidify goals.

Clients are charged to describe how things would look if the problem were not present.

They are also tasked to describe how their significant other would notice the problem

were no longer a problem using descriptive language (Reiter, 2010).

Exception questions are questions aimed at examining times the problem was not

a problem or was less of a problem (Corey, 2010, p. 403). Using exception questions

often reveals signs of solution being applied by the couple unconsciously. These signs of

solution being implemented despite the problem promote optimism and hope in the

couple toward positive change (Seedall, 2009, p. 108).

Scaling questions are an intervention aimed at measuring progress within the

couple as well as setting goals (Gehart, 2010, p. 372). Using a 10-point scale, couples can

measure satisfaction and progress as well as many other factors attributing to goals. The

goal is not to promote 10 being perfect, but to show that progress is what’s most

important.

Continuing to acknowledge strengths within the couple as well as individually is

another intervention that fuels progress. When the therapist takes time to highlight

progress through compliments, clients are reassured that their efforts are not unnoticed.

This process of reflection reinforces the solutions currently being observed by the couple

and aims to motivate them toward continued progress (Chromy, 2007, p. 75).

Overall, solution focused therapy is a postmodern strength based approach that

aims to promote the clients actions and control despite their situation. This approach
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moves from dwelling on the problem and instead focuses on solutions despite the

problem, which aides in focusing on solutions with little to no problem being present.
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References

Bliss, E., & Bray, D. (2009). The Smallest Solution Focused Particles: toward a

Minimalist Definition of when Therapy is Solution Focused. Journal Of Systemic

Therapies, 28(2), 62-74.

Chromy, S. (2007). A Solution-Based Approach to Couple Therapy: A Case Example.

Journal Of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 6(4), 71-84.

de Castro, S., & Guterman, J.T. (2008). Solution-focused therapy for families coping with

suicide. Journal of Marital & Family Therapy, 34, 93-106.

Corey, G. (2013). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. (9 Ed.).

Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Gehart, D. (2010). Mastering competencies in family therapy: A practical approach to

theories and clinical case documentation. Belmont: Brooks/Cole, Cengage

Learning.

Gehart, D. & Tuttle, A. (2003). Theory-based treatment planning for marriage and family

therapists. (1st ed.). Belmont, California: Brooks/Cole.

Reiter, M. D. (2010). Solution-Focused Marathon Sessions. Journal Of Systemic

Therapies, 29(1), 33-49.

Seedall, R. B. (2009). Enhancing Change Process in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy by

Utilizing Couple Enactments. American Journal Of Family Therapy, 37(2), 99

113. doi:10.1080/01926180802132356
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Trepper, T. S., Dolan, Y., McCollum, E. E., & Nelson, T. (2006). Steve de Shazer and

the future of solution focused therapy. Journal Of Marital & Family Therapy,

322), 133-139.