Solution-based therapy is also referred to as solution focused brief therapy. It is a collaborative approach that is goal oriented (Guterman, Mecias & Ainbinder, 2005). The process encompasses psychotherapeutic changes occurring through adoption of an observational strategy. Importantly, the therapist administers a series of questions to the client and observes his/her responses (Simon & Nelson, 2007). In this case study scenario James, again becomes unemployed and his parents refuse to let him move in with them while he searches for a job. In reviewing the assumptions and practices of solution-based therapeutic interventions in my opinion would be a very useful therapy for James.
The theory guiding this intervention/therapy was derived from the philosophy of social constructionist thinking initiated by Wittgensteinien. This is highly applicable to James’ situation since it is repetitive. The therapy focuses on taking into consideration a client’s desires and the goals he/she hopes to achieve. It further explores the history and prevalence of the issues encountered as problems. Solution -based or focused therapy sessions aims at revealing present features and predicting future outcomes (Simon, 2009).
The past is only used as a reference to the extent of facilitating clarification and understanding of the present or anticipating of future episodes. During the recall process empathy is communicated to the client. The desire of solution based therapist is to receive an accurate evaluation of events and issues that create disturbances for the subjects’ daily interaction with life. (De Jong, & Insoo, 2008) . James’ situation accurately relates to someone who needs this type of intervention. Besides he not being able to retain employment, the relationship with his parents is less than harmonious because he is not welcomed to move in with his parents during this crisis in his life. Consequently, he needs emotional as well as financial support.
Advantages of this approach are numerous from the perspective of the client (James), therapist and provider. With regards to James, solution based therapy would enable him to gain insights into his behavior that insidiously culminates in change. The steps towards resolution of his apparent relationship irregularities are gradual. More importantly, the therapy gains momentum through inductive strategies rather than deductive meaning it looking within and beyond appears rather than the presentation itself (Guterman, 2006). This is the analysis James needs at this point in his dilemma. A limitation however, that can negatively affect James evaluation is answering structured questions. His level of literacy may create mis understandings thereby offering in accurate responses.
The provider’s advantage of solution –based therapy application in the practice is its consultation value. The provider can recruit a team of therapists to interact with patinets who have been referrals through other agencies (Trepper, Dolan, McCollum & Nelson, 2006). A consultancy could be established where therapist see patient individually through provider services. However, since it is a one-one service (client/ therapists) the provider’s costs of offering the service may be very unaffordable to a wider cross section of the population.
References
De Jong, P., & Insoo, K. (2008) Interviewing for Solutions(5th ed) Brooks Cole Publishers.
Guterman, J. (2006). Mastering the Art of Solution-Focused Counseling. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.
Guterman, J. Mecias, A., & Ainbinder, D (2005). Solution-focused treatment of migraine headache. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families 13: 195–198.
Lutz, A. (2013). Learning Solution-Focused Therapy: An Illustrated Guide. Arlington, Virginian: American Psychiatric Publishing Pichot, T., & Dolan, Y. (2003). Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: It’s Effective Use in
Agency Settings. Binghamton, New York: Haworth Clinical Practice Press Simon, J. (2009). Solution focused practice in end-of-life and grief counseling. New York:
Springer Publication.
Simon, J., & Nelson, T. (2007). Solution-focused brief practice with long-term clients in mental health services: "I'm more than my label". New York: Taylor & Francis
Trepper, T. Dolan, Y. McCollum, E., & Nelson, T. (2006). steve de Shazer and the future of solution-focused therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy 32 (2): 133–9.
