Leading From Behind: Episode 4 - First Sessions - General Considerations

Regardless of the therapeutic approach used, the first session is a critical one in creating possibilities for a positive outcome for the client.  We want to pay attention to developing a positive therapeutic alliance and ensure that we're talking about what's important to the client.

In this fourth episode of Leading From Behind, we look at the unique perspective taken in solution focused practice regarding each contact with the client.  We also examine three key objectives that the solution focused practitioner aims to address in conducting an effective first session.

In our resource segment, we mention two books of note and a recommended website for those with an interest in learning more about solution focused practice:

Books:

More Than Miracles:  The State of the Art of Solution Focused Brief Therapy - by Steve de Shazer and Yvonne Dolan, with Harry Korman, Terry Trepper, Eric McCollum and Insoo Kim Berg.

Beyond Technique in Solution Focused Therapy - by Eve Lipchik

Website:

Coert Visser's Blog:  Doing What Works

Leading From Behind: Episode 3 - Key Elements and Skills in Solution Focused Practice

Episode 3 of Leading From Behind brings an overview of the key elements that characterize solution focused practice.  We make some clear distinctions about the therapist's position, the collaborative nature of the relationship with the client and the importance of language.  Also, we note how "goals" and "strengths" are more often embedded in the conversation with the client, rather than explicit subjects of discussion.   By connecting with the belief that clients are the best experts on their own lives, we also underline how the solution focused therapist trusts that the client will make his own decision about what to do next, rather than a therapist-lead directive.

During the resource section of the episode, we identify a number of books that might be of interest to new solution focused practitioners:

Interviewing for Solutions by Insoo Kim Berg and Peter DeJong

Solution Focused Brief Therapy:  100 Key Points and Techniques by Harvey Ratner, Evan George and Chris Iveson

Anything written by Steve de Shazer

Solution Focused Brief Practice with Long-term Clients in Mental Health Services by Joel Simon and Thorana Nelson

Leading From Behind: Episode 2 - Assumptions & Beliefs in Solution Focused Practice

In episode 2 of Leading From Behind, we present the key assumptions and beliefs that lie at the heart of solution focused practice.  We also note three key principles for therapists when working in a solution focused manner.

Web links mentioned in this episode:

• SIKT (Harry Korman) and the link to the Solution Focused Therapy listserv
• BRIEF - Solution focused therapy training in the UK
• Brief Therapy Institute of Sydney (Australia)

Leading From Behind: Episode 1 - Overview of the History & Development of SFT

In this first episode of Leading From Behind, we begin with a general introduction to the podcast, followed by a brief overview of the history and development of solution focused therapy.  It was developed through the efforts and leadership of Steve deShazer, Insoo Kim Berg and others at the Brief Family Therapy Centre in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  The approach is now used in a wide variety of settings and has many applications outside of individual, couple and family therapy.

The episode concludes with a description of three key online resources for listeners with an interest in learning more about the approach.

Web Links mentioned in this episode:

• Solution Focused Brief Therapy Association

• United Kingdom Association for Solution Focused Practice

• European Brief Therapy Association