#solutionfocusedbrieftherapy

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”

“Once you know what works, do more of it”

“If it’s not working, do something different”

- de Shazer and Berg, 1995.

The past little while I’ve become more interested in solution-focused brief therapy, which is a here and now method of therapy which is fairly straightforward and takes around 3-5 sessions (Sperry & Sperry, 2012). Solution-focused therapy focuses on immediate concerns, it emphasizes solutions, and it demonstrates that clients have strengths and resources to help them solve their problems (Sperry & Sperry, 2012). Solution-focused therapy is like the opposite of cognitive behavioural therapy (in my eyes, at least) because CBT therapy focuses on the negative automatic thoughts, beliefs, and schemas, and it focuses on “fixing” the client’s problem cognitions – while solution-focused therapy lets the client choose the goals and become more emotionally resilient by giving them the courage and optimism that they have the power to solve their own problems.

I had the opportunity of accidentally attempting this method of therapy in one of my practical application skills through my MACP program with another student who was playing the role of the client. This person expressed how they were feeling overwhelmed by many things in life including work, moving into a brand new house, and her dog become old and ill. I conversed with her and did not realize I was making much progress by talking with her until one of the other students mentioned that she started smiling near the end of the session, and that I had empowered her by listing off some of the strengths she presented and by helping her to problem-solve ways to cope with her busy life.

I was shocked at how effective this method of treatment is – until I realized I also have a friend who unconsciously uses this whenever we get into our “deep talks” about life. I couldn’t understand why meeting with this person would leave me with an overwhelming sense of mastery in life, until I realized that this person constantly helps me to reflect the things that I have accomplished and reminds me why I am on the path that I am on.

Kim and Franklin (2015) also discuss how positive language that is used in therapy is a vehicle used for change. The more emphasis used on positive and optimistic views, the more hopeful clients become and the more self-confidence and self-mastery occurs. This reminds me of how positive thinking shapes the neuroplasticity of the brain. When individuals are depressed, the brain’s functioning changes, and mood, memory and decision making can shrink with depression. But, one can combat this by thinking more positively.

Here is some homework for the week: view this short self-help video to practice positive thinking and document your thoughts every night/morning and see how you feel after a week!

Positive Thinking Neuroplasticity Brain Chemistry

References:

Kim, J. S., & Franklin, C. (2015).  Understanding emotional change in solution-focused brief therapy: Facilitating positive emotions. Best Practices in Mental Health: An International Journal, 11(1), 25–41. Retrieved from https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=url,cookie,ip,uid&db=a9h&AN=103534839