Leading From Behind: Episode 10 - Small Signs of Change in First Sessions

Eliciting and amplifying small signs of change are a central aspect of solution focused practice.  This is in keeping with the belief that small change leads to larger change.

In episode 10 of Leading From Behind, we take a look at how we explore the idea of a small sign of change as we near the end of a first session.​ In particular, we underline the importance of being curious about a small sign of change or what the client might notice that would represent a small change, rather than negotiating some kind of next step or action that the client must or need to take.​ 

In hearing the client's response to this question about small change, we also examine how we often need to use the same skills we use when asking follow-up questions about the client's preferred future.  This can involve the deconstruction of language, adopting a "not-knowing" position and, sometimes, using relationship questions as a way of locating a response that's clear, achievable, specific and behavioural.

In the resource segment of the program, we identify two explanatory articles about solution focused therapy that can be accessed online.  The idea to identify these articles was inspired by a recent question on the solution focused therapy listerv:  "What's a good article to give to someone who isn't familiar with solution focused therapy?"​

Solution Focused Brief Therapy by Chris Iveson in Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, (2002)

Solution Focused Therapy Treatment Manual for Working With Individuals, by the SFBTA Research Committee (2010) Terry Trepper, Eric McCollum, Peter De Jong, Harry Korman, Wallace Gingerich and Cynthia Franklin