Overview of the Solution Focused Approach
Solution focused practice is best distinguished by its departure from the problem-solving paradigm that dominates many fields of study. Solution focused practitioners are primarily concerned with developing a clear behavioural picture of a preferred future. While attention is paid to the story and details surrounding problems, practitioners move rapidly toward what’s wanted instead. Respectful curiosity is essential in helping others to develop this notion of preferred future. The same curiosity is also vital in asking questions that reveal people’s competency and knowledge.
A further pillar of solution focused practice is the idea of exceptions. Practitioners hold a key assumption that few problems happen all the time. Within these exceptions, one can sometimes locate solutions that are already happening. Building on these exceptions can become a useful process for moving toward the preferred future.
The solution focused approach assumes that change is constant and inevitable. We invite our clients to consider small, achievable actions toward their preferred futures. In the course of solution focused conversations, the practitioner leads from behind by asking thoughtful questions that invites the client’s expertise. A strong belief that people hold such expertise (based on their experience, skills and resources) is also a key element in solution focused practice
The solution focused approach was conceived and developed about thirty years ago by Insoo Kim Berg, Steve de Shazer and others at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over the years, the approach has continued to be recognized as a respectful and helpful model in creating meaningful change for individuals, couples, families, communities and organizations.
Solution Focused Books:
Handbook of Solution Focused Therapy provides a thorough overview of the history, foundations and applications of solution focused practice. With contributions from a wide variety of international practitioners, this book is a must-have for anyone working in a helping environment. This work also has chapters devoted to training and supervision.
Interviewing for Solutions by Insoo Kim Berg and Peter DeJong is likely the most recommended book for anyone with an interest in learning about solution focused practice. This book offers a clear description of the fundamental assumptions behind solution focused practice and gives great examples of the questions and formulations that characterize the approach in practice. There are also several chapters devoted to outcome research and the many applications of solution focused work.
If you have wondered about the utility of the solution focused approach with people who have significant involvement with mental health care, Solution Focused Brief Practice with Long-term Clients in Mental Health Services will put you at ease. Written by Joel Simon & Thorana Nelson, the book demonstrates how respect, collaboration and a focus on strengths leads to useful changes in people’s lives. This book is an essential resource for those working in mental health settings. It’s also highly recommended as a text in university programs for nurses, social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists.
The Solutions Focus by Paul Jackson and Mark McKergow is the primary text for learning about the solution focused approach to management, coaching and leading organizations. It represents a perfect example of how the principles of solution focused therapy are easily adapted to any context of human behaviour and interaction. HBTC highly recommends this book for anyone working in a management or leadership role.
Steve de Shazer remains as a key voice in the creation of the solution focused approach. His clear and thoughtful writing is essential reading in understanding its development. Keys to Solution in Brief Therapy was published in 1985. The book provides excellent examples of locating and engaging the client’s expertise to move more rapidly in the desired direction.
Clues is another of Steve de Shazer’s contributions to the development of the approach. Published in 1988, the book examines how, within the context of therapeutic conversations, clients develop and achieve solutions. de Shazer writes with elegant simplicity about the questions and attention to language that characterizes solution focused therapy.
Online Resources:
This is the international mailing list or listserv for the practice of solution focused therapy. It’s a very active list where one can engage with just about any type of helping professional working in a solution focused manner. The list is also a terrific resource for exchanging ideas or asking questions about the approach. Participants on the list are always very open to offering their knowledge, experience and resources to newcomers interested in developing their solution focused practice skills. Click the image for details on subscribing.
Like the SF Therapy Mailing List, this is the international discussion group for those interested in the subjects of coaching, managing and leading organizations from a solution focused perspective. It’s an active group where one can ask questions, engage in discussions or share ideas about solution focused practice in the workplace. Click the image for details on subscribing.
The Solution Focused Brief Therapy Association is the North American focal point for those with an interest in solution focused practice. This site is a great resource for books, videos and handouts from the annual conference. The 2012 conference will be held in Minneapolis in November. See the SFBTA site for more information. Membership in SFBTA is easy - attend the conference and you’re a member!
SolWorld is dedicated to sharing and building solution focused practice in organizations. This site offers a wealth of resources for those who practice in a solution focused manner and are involved in training and teaching others. Meet SF people from all over the world in this friendly, helpful online community.
Solution News is a publication of the United Kingdom Association of Solution Focused Practice. This site is a great example of why the UK is a leader in the continued development of solution focused practice. Current and past newsletters (containing informative articles on the wide applications of solution focused practice) can be obtained here without cost.
SF Work is the home for the Centre for Solutions Focus at Work. Co-directors Mark McKergow and Jenny Clarke are pioneers in the development of solution focused practice in organizations and in the workplace. This site is an excellent resource for learning more about how the approach is used to achieve successful leadership in organizations.
There are few people who can articulate the elegant simplicity of solution focused ideas like Joel Simon. As a solution focused practitioner, trainer, author and consultant, Joel Simon brings a wealth of experience to his work, including his past involvement with Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer.
BRIEF is Europe’s largest provider of solution focused therapy training. They also provide training in solution focused coaching, leadership and conflict resolution. The BRIEF site is an excellent resource for learning more about solution focused practice and their practitioners are among the most prolific in making contributions to the development of the approach.
Je Suis Capable is a wonderful example of how solution focused ideas are used to help children with behavioural difficulties. Based in Rimouski, Quebec, this is the work of Jocelyne Pouliot. She utilizes the Kids’ Skills program developed by Finland’s Ben Furman, a solution focused psychiatrist. This site will be useful for teachers, parents and others who work with young kids.
Coert Visser is a solution focused trainer, coach and psychologist in the Netherlands. His site, Doing What Works offers a wide-range of articles and links devoted to solution focused practice. Coert is an active participant in the development of solution focused work and his frequently updated site is a good resource for anyone interested in learning more about solution focused practice.