Lecturer in social work and practitioner
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Copyright © 2009 Stephanie Johnson. All rights reserved.
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Solution Focused Counselling.... Keeping It Real
The art of helpful conversations
Stephanie Johnson
BSW, MSW, MAASW
Mental Health Professional
Lecturer in social work at Charles Sturt University, Australia
A book for everyone, including; therapists, social workers, psychologists and allied
health professionals.
This exciting new book by Stephanie Johnson promises to be a breath of fresh air in
the brief family therapy arena. Solution focused counselling....Keeping it Real,
discusses the philosophy of solution focused framework with step by step examples
of the techniques and principles of solution focused. This is a great book for those
who are interested in using solution focus in their work and want to know more. It
gives a concise guide to the steps in solution focused by using case studies,
examples, interventions and clearly demonstrates a brilliant first session outline. For
those who want a “one-stop” shop of the techniques of solution focused discussed in
a clear and practical way, this book is for you!
-3Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
CONTENTS PAGE:
Chapter 1
History of solution focused (Keeping it brief)
Page 5
Chapter 2
History of talk therapies (Snapshot)
Page 6
Chapter 3
Finding solution focused; The story
Page 8
Chapter 4
Basic assumptions about people and problems
Page 9
Chapter 5
The techniques and skills of solution focused
framework
Page 12
Chapter 6
Customership thinking
Page 15
Chapter 7
The interview, the Power of Scaling
Page 16
Chapter 8
Solution focused Assessment Tool
Page 18
Chapter 9
A Case study: “Life is shit”, according to Bill
Page 20
Chapter 10
Putting it altogether... Go to it!
Page 25
References
Page 26
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Chapter 1
History of Solution Focused (Keeping it brief)
We believe that it is useful to think about solution-focused therapy as a rumor. It is a set of
stories that circulate within and through therapist communities. The stories are versions of
the solution-focused therapy rumor. Whilst the names of the major characters usually
remain stable, the plots and contexts that organize the action may vary from one story
telling episode to the next. (Miller & de Shazer, 1998)
The Brief Family Therapy Center was set up in Milwaukee in 1978. As de Shazer
comments, Insoo and I and a group of our colleagues – who had been working together
(secretly) for many years – decided to set up an independent “MRI of the Midwest” where
we could both study therapeutic effectiveness, train therapists to do things as efficiently as
possible, and, of course, practice therapy (de Shazer, 1999, Cade, 2007).
A recent development in brief therapy has been the solution focused approach (Berg and
Miller, 1992; de Shazer, 1991). Central to this approach is that there are exceptions to the
behaviours, ideas, feelings and interactions that are associated with the problem, and the
belief that resources necessary to begin the process of resolution are already available,
(Cade and O’Hanlon, 1993).
Steve de Shazer and his wife Insoo Kim Berg were influenced by Milton Erickson’s work as
well as the work of the team at Mental Research Institute, commonly called MRI in Palo
Alto, California. De Shazer and Berg coined the term “miracle question” and took scaling to
a new height. De Shazer wrote vigorously in the area of solution focused, however I am not
clear on who coined the term solution focused. Solution focused is a non pathology model
interested in the strengths and resources within clients and utilizing these strengths that the
client brings to therapy. It is a model of future focused perspective, developed in a time
when psychotherapy was dominant.
-5Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
Chapter 2
History of talk therapies (Snapshot)
 Psychotherapy family
Sigmund Freud, a Doctor was based in Austria, in the late 1880’s, and was
considered the father of talk therapies. He had the novel idea to start talking to
patients about what they were thinking and feeling and experiencing in their lives. He
coined terms such as free association and projection. He was interested in the
unconscious mind, repressed thoughts and memories that stemmed from the past.
He was the father of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Since his writings Neo
Freudians such as Melanie Klein and John Bowlby have developed Freud’s theories
further.
Psychotherapy is still used in many countries, often by psychiatrists and
psychotherapists in private practice. Psychotherapy is based in the medical model
and focuses on deficits and problems. This is referred to as a pathology model.
 Behavioural Family
1930’s saw the emergence of the Behaviouralist. B.F Skinner and associates were
psychologists who spent time observing and testing behavioural patterns with
animals. B.F Skinner was influenced by the likes of Pavlov and Thorndike. From the
Behavioural family, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, (commonly known as CBT)
emerged as well as Desensitisation. Albert Ellis was one of the pioneers of the
development of CBT. These techniques are still used today by psychologists
throughout the Western world. Behaviouralists are interested in the behaviour of
humans and animals. CBT is the best known therapy used systematically by
psychologists for talk therapy purposes.
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 Humanistic Family
Carl Rogers emerged in the 1950’s, he coined the term client centred therapy
or otherwise known as person centred therapy. These principles are based in
the Humanistic model and framework.
Rogers believed that the client was the expert in their own life. This was a
radical theory and ahead of its time. As psychotherapy was still the dominant
discourse in America, Rogers view was unique. He believed in the intrinsic
worth of humans.
Carl Rogers moved the pathology model into the counselling arena. He was
one of the first in the 1950’s to really develop the counselling relationship. He
coined terms such as; congruence, unconditional positive regard and
empathy. He believed that these principles must be present in the counselling
relationship in order to help facilitate the client. Carl Rogers is considered to
be one of the fathers of contemporary counselling.
 Family Therapy
As discussed briefly in the previous chapter, systemic family therapy emerged
in the 1960’s from Mental Research Institute (MRI), Palo Alto in California,
America, from a collective discipline. From MRI, brief therapy, solution
focused, strategic family therapy emerged. These models believe that the
client can change and that the client is the expert in their own lives. The
overall model is concerned with utilising what the client brings to therapy to
facilitate change, (Cade, 2007). This is a non-pathology model and resists
labelling clients. These models share similar understandings and assumptions
about people and problems; however some of the skills have developed
differently depending on the training approach. All are interested in family
members and encourage family members to attend sessions and to play an
active role in the therapy. Brief family therapists are interested in the
interactional view of clients and problems. Family therapy and then later Brief
Family therapy is still used in counselling centres across Europe and the
West. And from this model, solution focused emerged, offering brief
interventions.
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Chapter 3
Finding solution focused
The story
I came across solution focused after been introduced to the ideas at a training
session I attended in Sydney Australia in the early 1990’s. I then enrolled at the
Eastwood Family Therapy Centre, Sydney (now known as the Brief Therapy Institute
of Sydney) under the guidance of the two principal staff, Michael Durrant and Brian
Cade. I studied a two year course on brief family therapy and solution focused. I was
really impressed that the theories I learnt were very practical and could be used in
counselling sessions the very next day. I was trying out these new skills and
framework with my own clients and saw the difference in their lives, I was
encouraged and continued. The principles definitely made sense to me and fitted my
world view of clients and problems. I found that children loved the miracle question
and scaling (See P.13). This approach was exciting and gave a sense of hope to
cases where I felt hopeless to help. This approach may not suit you, however stay
open minded and give it a go.
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Chapter 4
Basic assumptions about people and problems
The following are some of the assumptions and principles of solution focused
framework which was influenced by the work of Milton Erickson and the MRI team.
1. People operate out of their internal maps and not out of sensory experience.
2. People make the best choice for themselves at any given moment.
3. The explanation, theory, or metaphor used to relate facts about a person is not the
person.
4. Respect all messages from the client.
5. Teach choice; never attempt to take choice away.
6. The resources the client needs lie within his or her own personal history.
7. Meet the client at his or her model of the world.
8. The person with the most flexibility or choice will be the controlling element in the system.
9. A person can’t not communicate.
10. If it’s hard work, reduce it down.
11. Outcomes are determined at the psychological level.
(Lankton and Lankton, 1983)
 You do not need to know the cause of the problem in order to find solutions
 Client is the expert in their own life
 People become problem saturated and lose their problem solving abilities
 People have strengths and resources within themselves to find solutions
 Do not need to go back to the past in order to influence the future
 The problem is the problem, the person is not the problem
 Change is inevitable
 Small change leads to larger change
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 Problems continue when you apply the wrong solution
 People in general are doing the best that they can
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,
If it doesn’t work, try something different
Once you know what works, do more of it, (Cade, 2007)
The above are the assumptions about people and problems. In some respects it at first
appears a simple formula; however the art in solution focused is the timing of interventions
and techniques such as the miracle question (See P.13). The counsellor should also not
get caught up in the problem talk, but to move the conversation towards solution focused
talk. I don’t know about you, but when I came across these principles it was very liberating
as a counsellor to feel that I am not the expert in the client’s life, but a bystander and a
facilitator. I found this very exciting. The client is the expert in their own life and we facilitate
the process. Solution focused is at the opposite spectrum to psychoanalysis.
Solution focused states that you do not need to go back to childhood or hunt for the root
cause of the problem in order to facilitate change. For clients this is reassuring. Some
clients find solution focused to be empowering and hopeful. In 15 years of experiencing
solution focused talk, the word HOPE often comes to mind. Also solution focused does not
have to go back to childhood to find the root cause of this problem. However as solution
focused is client directed, if the client feels that it is necessary, then the therapist will go
there. However, if the client is looking for analysis and treatment, then they have the wrong
therapist.
In my practice I start where the client is at. I use whatever is useful for the client to facilitate
change, as this is what it is all about, CHANGE. In meeting new clients I will briefly discuss
my solution focused philosophy just to make sure that they are clear on what they are
getting.
When we talk about brief therapy, some make the assumption that this means that the
client is allowed ten sessions only, but this is not necessarily the case. Depending on your
agency/organisational requirements, the counsellor may be able to provide what the client
needs. In my experience we often work with a client on a specific issue, once that is
resolved or they feel they can manage better with it then the therapy ends. However
sometimes clients come back two to six months later for what I call a” check up”, just
checking in on how things are going. Generally my sessions take between 1-10 sessions.
Having said that, there is room for flexibility. Some clients may have resolved the initial
issue that they came for in the first place and then may wish to work on another presenting
issue. However if the client is coming for long term twice a week sessions, they have got
the wrong therapist, try psychoanalysis.
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In Australia, numerous government and non government agencies are becoming more
interested in using solution focused brief therapy in their service delivery models.
Psychoanalysis on the public purse is a thing of the past, solution focused is becoming far
more economical and in my personal view more effective.
-11Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
Chapter 5
The techniques and skills of solution focused framework
Below is a snapshot of some of the techniques and skills that are unique to brief
family therapy and solution focused. We never use these techniques in isolation from
basic interpersonal skills. Validation and listening to the client’s story underpins
solution focused framework.
 NORMALIZATION is normalizing a situation or an event, use with care, as
this technique has the potential to be effective, however we do not want to
trivialise the client’s complaint. For example, a mother comes to see you and
she is upset because her 15 year old daughter wants to go out on Friday
night instead of staying indoors with Mum, we could normalise this with “a lot
of teenage girls are wanting to establish peer relationships, which is
important, however it must feel that she is growing up very fast”, so still
acknowledging Mum’s feeling as well as normalizing the situation.
 An EXCEPTION is when the problem is not around all the time, when the
client did something different. For example the client is angry with mum, “tell
me a time when angry didn’t get the better of you?” Looking for a time when
the problem didn’t dominate 24/7.
 REFRAMING is changing a negative label or negative view for a positive
view or positive lens. It’s about changing the perspective or lens towards the
problem. For example, a mother comes to see you and she is upset because
the principal of her daughter’s school has told her that her daughter is loud
and demanding. We could reframe that as “sounds like she is assertive and
motivated”. Changing the negative view of the behaviour to a positive view is
like changing the TV channel over. Sometimes the problem is how we view
the problem.
 SCALING is asking a client to scale a problem or situation or feeling from 110. For example “ on a scale of 1-10, where 10 being you are on top of the
problem and 1 being the problem is on top of you, where are you today?”
Scaling is a quick and powerful tool, it gives the therapist and the client a
clear snapshot of the level of the problem in a visual way. Use the whiteboard
or your hands to highlight the scale. In my experience, there is something
powerful in the viewing the scaling question visually on the whiteboard.
Scaling can be used anywhere anytime on any issue. It is an easy way of
starting to use the solution focused language and techniques. So get started!
-12Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
 MIRACLE QUESTION is a technique devised by Insoo Kim Berg; it is a
technique which encourages the client to start to envisage what their life
would look like without the problem. To start to visualise a life without the
problem dominating. It goes like this “Imagine that you go to bed tonight and
while you are sleeping a miracle occurs. When you wake up in the morning,
all your problems are solved, how would you know? What would you be
feeling, thinking? How would you know that your problem was solved? What
would you be doing differently?” This is a powerful tool, in changing the
problem talk into solution talk and starting the visual process of imagining life
without the problem. At first I was a little embarrassed at using this technique
with clients, however children generally love it and I prefix the miracle
question by saying, “this may sounds a little weird but go with me on this...”
 COMPLIMENTS are a technique that we use at the end of the session to
encourage the client and give a message of hope. Compliments need to be
genuine, appropriate, and not over the top.
 TASKS are homework for the client to do out of session; it may be a noticing
task or a pretending task just to name a few. I generally facilitate clients
coming up with their own tasks, as they are more likely to carry them out and
own them if they come up with them. Tasks need to be relevant and
achievable. Never set up a client for failure.
Next session: start with “So what’s been better?”
 In 1984, de Shazer and Molnar outlined a first-session-task that was routinely being
given to clients regardless of the nature of the presenting problem.
 “Between now and the next time we meet, we (I) want you to observe, so that you
can tell us (me) next time, what happens in your (life, marriage, family, or
relationship) that you want to continue to have happen” (de Shazer & Molnar, 1984).
 They discovered that, in a significant number of cases, concrete changes occurred
between the giving of this task and the following session. With surprising frequency
(50 of 56 in a follow-up survey), most clients notice things they want to have
continue and many (45 of the 50) describe at least one of these as “new or
-13Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
different.” Thus, things are on the way to solution; concrete, observable changes
have happened. (de Shazer et al., 1986)
 The common theme with each of these interventions is that they are concerned with
and focus the client and the process of therapy on what has worked, is working, or
is beginning to work, rather than with exploring or categorizing pathology. They
operate from an assumption that change is inevitable and that people are already
bringing it about or have all that is necessary to do so,(Cade, 2007).
 Insoo Kim Berg tells a story from the early eighties of being stuck with a client who
had become overwhelmed with her problems. Her children were out of control and
her husband was on the brink of being dismissed from his job because of his heavy
drinking. Insoo asked her how she thought the session could help and the woman
replied,
 “I’m not sure; I have so many problems. Maybe only a miracle would help, but I
suppose that’s too much to expect.”
 Insoo asked the woman,
 “OK, suppose a miracle did happen and the problem that brought you here is
solved?
 To Insoo’s amazement, this woman, who had seemed so overwhelmed and unable
to go on, began describing a vision of a different life. She said that her husband
would be “more responsible”, keeping his job and managing the money better.” She
said her children would “follow rules at school and at home, doing their chores
without putting up such a fuss.” And, most of all, she said that she would be
different: “I will have more energy, smile more, be calmer with the children – instead
-14Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
of snapping at them – talk to them in a normal tone of voice. I might even start
having normal conversations with my husband, like we used to when we first were
married.” (DeJong & Berg 1998)
From then on the team at the Brief Family Therapy Center began using what became
called the miracle question with more and more of their clients. Over the last fifteen
years or so, it has been used in more or less every case.
(2) At least once during the first interview and at subsequent ones, the client will be
asked to rate something on a scale of ‘0 - 10’ or ‘1 - 10’.
(3) At some point during the interview, the therapist will take a break.
(4) After this intermission, the therapist will give the client some compliments which will
sometimes (frequently) be followed by a suggestion or homework task (frequently
called an experiment) de Shazer & Berg, 1997.
-15Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
Chapter 6
Customership Thinking
The theory of customership was devised by the Brief family therapy team. This
theory can be helpful in understanding some of our clients. and why sometimes as
therapist we feel stuck.
NEVER WRITE A CLIENT OFF, CHANGE IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE
 COMPLAINANT is where a client comes into therapy and complains about
their life, people and things in it. The client takes no personal responsibility in
changing the things that they are unhappy about. The client takes a victim
approach to life. And if you suggest some changes that they could do, it is the
“Yes, but” answer, or “I have already tried it and it didn’t work” or “it won’t
work” answer. In these cases, try to find out what the client wants and what
they are a customer for. Giving some strategies or tasks may not work. Listen
to the client and validate their experience. Often if the client feels fully listened
to and validated, they may be able to move to a customer position.
 WINDOW SHOPPER is a client who comes into therapy and not sure if this is
what they want or looking for. Just checking out therapy and the therapist. Not
sure if therapy is for them and what you can do for them. Again no strategies
or tasks listen and validate, don’t sell yourself.
 CUSTOMER is a client who comes into therapy and wants to change. Is clear
about the problem and wants to change. Looking for strategies to end the
problem and is normally very motivated, (de Shazer, 1985, 1988).
 We all assume that clients who walk in the door are customers; this is not
always the case. This theory of customership has some merit. However, we
don’t want to write our clients off as complainants, just because it all too hard.
-16Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
Chapter 7
The interview, the Power of Scaling
This is an example of a first session outline which I use in my practice with new
clients. This is just one example of how to conduct a first session.
 Introductions
 Contracting/Confidentiality statement
 Social stage
 Tell me about yourself apart from the problem?
 Why are you here now?
 Who wants you to be here?
 How will you know that this session has been helpful?
 Problem description
 Tell me about the problem…
 How long/Frequency
 Has it got better or worse or stayed the same?
 How has the problem affected you? E.g. your relationships...
 How have you solved the problem in the past?
 What’s worked, what hasn’t?
 Scaling question
 What do you want to see changed? Miracle question may be applied here if
appropriate.
 Where are you on a scale of
1----------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
Where 1 is the problem and is out of control and 10 I'm in control of the
problem,
 Where are you today?
Where would you like to be?
-17Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
 What needs to happen in order for you to move from a 4 to a 5? In the next 2
weeks?
 What can you do?
 Task
 Message/compliment
 Check where client is at/follow up appointment/close
-18Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
Chapter 8
Solution focused Assessment Tool:
Can be used for clients in crisis
Contract with client around confidentiality:
Social stage, meet and greet:
Purpose of meeting today, your role:
Tell me a little about yourself?
Can you tell me about the problem today?
Has it got better or worse or stayed the same?
How long have you been living with the problem?
How has the problem affected you and your relationships?
What have you tried to do to fix the problem?
Who is in your family?
Do you have any support from family/friends?
How bad is the problem on a scale of 1 -----------------------------------10?
Where are you today on the scale?
What can you do to move from a 5 to a 6 on the scale?
Possible task if appropriate, depending on level of crisis
-19Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
Is there anything else you want to discuss today?
Discuss outcomes of today, what you can provide, service options, outcomes
(Check for safety)
Are you safe?
Are you going to harm yourself?
Have you tried to harm yourself in the past?
Are you involved with any other services?
What helps you to keep safe?
What are you going to do for the rest of the day?
How are you feeling after talking today on a scale of 1-10?
What support do you have today?
Do you need some support right now?
May need to refer on if appropriate
CLOSE/give clients phone numbers for crisis support if needed
May need to check in with your supervisor or manager regarding client safety
-20Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
Chapter 9
Case study: Life is shit according to Bill
The Power of Scaling
Transcript:
Counsellor: Hi, I’m Stephanie I am one of the counsellors here.
This is a free and confidential service, however, if you tell me that you
are going to harm yourself or someone else, or commit a serious crime
then I may not be able to keep this confidential because it is about safety
to you and the community, do you agree?
Client:
Yes
Counsellor: Do you have any questions around that?
Client:
No
Counsellor: We have half an hour today.
Before you tell me why you are here today, can you tell me a little about
yourself apart from the problem?
Client:
Yes.
I am a farmer.
My name is Bill.
I work on the family farm an hour from here.
I play football on week ends.
Counsellor: Tell me a little bit about why you are here today?
Client:
Well, mum has been worried about me since my wife and I split up, and
mum has been nagging me, to see someone since.
Counsellor: What made you come today?
Client:
Well, Mum was really worried, as my wife now has custody of the
children, and I only have access on the weekends. The woman always
wins.
Counsellor: Hmm, (eye contact, active listening)
-21Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
Client:
I have had enough of all the shit!
If it isn’t court or the kids, it’s selling the family house.
If it isn’t the house, it’s the child support on my back.
If it isn’t child support, it’s the lawyers’ fees.
The system is stuffed and in favour of the woman. She gets all of it.
Counsellor:
Sounds really hard
Client:
Its shit, really shit.
Counsellor:
I’m really concerned for you. Do you mind if I ask you a few more
questions?
Client:
Go ahead.
Counsellor:
Have you ever thought of harming yourself?
Client:
Yes
Counsellor:
On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is no risk and 10 is high risk,
where would you be today?
I’ve thought about harming myself, not the kids.
1---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
Client:
5
Counsellor:
Why 5?
-22Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
Client:
Well I’m feeling pretty down about the custody thing and life has
been pretty crap and I can’t see much of a future now my kids
are gone.
Counsellor:
Yes that’s at the moment, right now, but things can get better,
but maybe not right now.
Client:
Yeah I guess that makes sense.
Counsellor:
Have you thought about harming yourself before or just since the
news of the custody decision?
Client:
Yes, just since the custody decision.
Counsellor:
How many times a week do you think about it?
Client:
I don’t know, about 2 times a week on a bad week.
Counsellor:
Who else knows that you want to harm yourself?
Client:
My dad knows, he is worried
Counsellor:
Have you got a plan?
Client:
Yes, I’m going to shoot myself with my gun.
Counsellor:
What stops you from harming yourself?
-23Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
Client:
My kids, and my mum and dad, they have been through hell with
all of this, I just couldn’t do it to them.
Counsellor:
So are you saying that you want to harm yourself or that you just
want all the pain to stop?
Client:
Yeah, I just want all this shit to stop, but I can’t see how it’s
going to at the moment.
Counsellor:
It must be really shitty for you RIGHT NOW, but that will change,
things will get better.
Client:
Yeah I sometimes think that too and that keeps me going.
Counsellor:
Can you tell me what else keeps you going?
Client:
My kids, my mum & dad, mates, my belief in God and my dog.
Counsellor:
How can we build on this?
Client:
Well my mate said he wanted to take me tree planting with him
for a week next week and I am thinking now it sounds like a
pretty good idea.
Counsellor:
Okay, can we contract that you will not harm yourself till I see
you again; is next week okay with you? I will give you Access
line and Lifeline phones numbers which are free counselling
services via the telephone 24hrs a day. Is anyone going to be
with you this next week or will you being alone?
-24Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
Client:
No I will be tree planting with mates all week so they will be
around and they will keep an eye out for me, I’m pretty close to
them, I am actually looking forward to it.
Counsellor:
What about the gun? Can your dad lock it away?
Client:
Yes
Counsellor:
So are you okay about seeing me again in a week’s time?
Client:
Yes this was really helpful and I feel a lot clearer in my head and
I feel a lot better, I didn’t think this counselling shit would help
but I think it has.
Counsellor:
Great, thanks for sharing with me today, it has struck me that
despite all the challenges you are determined to hang in there...
and things will get better, just need more time, so see you next
week, if you need to see me any earlier just ring in okay?
Client:
Okay thanks again.
Close
(Clients story and name has been changed to protect confidentiality)
This is an example of solution focused talk in a tough time. Safety of the client is the
most important concern especially if the client is in crisis. Solution focused
framework can be woven into a risk assessment (where appropriate).Always seek
supervision.
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Chapter 10
Putting it altogether...Go to it!
Now is your turn to try some of these new skills. I suggest trying scaling at first, as
this is an easy entry point into incorporating solution focused into your approach.
Always seek supervision and professional support.
A book which would be great to read and really useful is; A Brief Guide to Brief
Therapy, 1993, Cade, B & O’Hanlon, W, W.W.Norton, New York.
Also look at St Luke’s website for resources, such as the Strengths cards for kids
and the Bear cards. These are great tools for starting the solution focused
counselling conversation especially with children.
www.innovativeresources.org, Australian based strengths perspective using great
resources for individuals and families.
The author has a website which may be of interest,
www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com, which has information, resources, DVDs and
case studies in solution focus counselling.
If you have any questions regarding this book or solution focused please contact
Stephanie Johnson at [email protected]
-26Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
References:
Berg, I. K., & Miller, S. D. (1992). Working With the Problem Drinker: A Solution-Focused
Approach. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
Cade, B. W. (2007) Springs, Streams and Tributaries: A History of The Brief, Solutionfocused Approach. In F. N. Thomas & T. Nelson (Eds) Clinical Applications of SolutionFocused Brief Therapy. New York: The Haworth Press.
Cade, B., & Hudson O’Hanlon, W. (1993). A Brief Guide to Brief Therapy. New York: W.W.
Norton & Company.
DeJong, P. & Berg, I. K. (1998) Interviewing for Solutions. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
de Shazer, S., Berg, I. K., Lipchik, E., Nunnally, E., Molnar, A., Gingerich, W., & WeinerDavis, M. (1986). Brief therapy: Focused solution development. Family Process, 25(2),
207–222.
de Shazer, S. (1985). Keys to Solution in Brief Therapy. New York: W.W. Norton &
Company.
de Shazer, S. (1988). Clues: Investigating Solutions in Brief Therapy. New York: W.W.
Norton & Company.
de Shazer, S. (1991). Putting Difference to Work. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
de Shazer, S. (1999). Beginnings. BFTC Website (www.brief_therapy.org).
de Shazer, S., & Berg, I. K. (1997). ‘What works?’ Remarks on research aspects of
Solution-
-27Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com
de Shazer, S., & Molnar, A. (1984). Four useful interventions in brief family therapy. Journal
of Marital & Family Therapy, 10(3), 297–304.
Lankton, S. and Lankton, C. (1983) The Answer Within: A Clinical Framework of
Ericksonian Hypnotherapy. New York: Brunner/Mazel.
Miller, G., & de Shazer, S. (1998). Have you heard the latest about ... ? Solution-focused
therapy as a rumor. Family Process, 37(3), 363-377
-28Download your copy of this ebook at www.solutionfocusedcounselling.com