Solution Focused Conversations

• 1-3 day courses
• Currently on Microsoft Teams & Zoom

Training courses offered by Solutions Focused Conversations are based upon a strengths-based model which equips delegates with the language and ethos of Solution Focused Brief Therapy model (deShazer, 1975) and the unique Solution Focused resources of the Consultancy (Murphy, 1993).

This training is suitable for a range of healthcare professionals.

Enables learners to:

• Work in a more holistic approach
• Utilise the strengths and expertise of the individual
• Use of creative and specially designed resources for working with individuals who are resistant to, or fearful of the potential for change and recovery
• Use language that encourages a move towards “preferred futures” rather than tracing the pathology of the problem alone.

The Solution Focused Brief Therapy Approach is a competency-based approach that owes its origins to Milton Erickson. Holding no theory of pathology, Erickson was interested in what helped people to change - he worked with the innate abilities of each person to bring about the desired changes they envisioned.

Milton Erickson's work was harnessed by the psychotherapists Steve deShazer and Insoo Kim Berg in the 1970s to create a collaborative approach encouraging people to talk about preferred futures rather than only tracing the pathology of the problem to develop the Solution Focused Brief Therapy Model.

The approach allows for future-focused, strengths based conversations to help individuals and groups to create change.

The Solution Focused Approach is not as stark as the title suggests, "just focusing on a solution to a problem" - this approach is not about minimising real difficulties the client may have or may still be experiencing or about changing any aspect of good assessment practice – it is about providing an opportunity to focus on “exceptions to the difficulty”; coping strategies and personal resources in order to build on these.The approach allows for future-focused, strengths based conversations to help individuals and groups to create change.

The key element in this way of working is the “curiosity” of the worker to connect with the self-expertise of the client.

References:

de Shazer, S. & Berg, K. (1997). 'What works?' Remarks on research aspects of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Journal of Family Therapy, 19, 121-124.

To read more about Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, download the Shazer & Berg article.

The Prevention & Intervention Programme - commissioned by Catch 22, a social business, evaluated by the Dept of Education & Behavioural Insights Team.

The Solution Focused Young Mentor Programme - commissioned by Liverpool City Council and evaluated by Liverpool John Moores University.

• Warwickshire County Council
• NHS Mental Health Teams, London & North West
• Blind Veterans UK
• University of Southampton
• University of East Anglia

You can help by expanding this list - contact us

Because the Models used are strengths-based rather than analytical – the worker is curious about the little that works, curious about any exceptions to this current difficulty, curious about a preferred future. The worker’s curiosity can ignite an equal curiosity in the client because the brain is very obedient!

All of delegates evaluations, where permission was granted, can be found on the Delegate Feedback Map on the brief therapy website.