4 Descriptions of Solution Focused Therapy

Solution Focused Therapy is a great brief therapy method to use if you're trying to assist someone in a short amount of time. Below are 4 descriptions of the theory along with a helpful nemonic device to memorize for the exam:  

1) The focus is on the present and future, not the past.

2) Therapist role is to ask questions and give compliments, while refraining from interpretation and conflict.

3) The sessions (sometimes) begin with client describing and envisioning life after they have coped with problem. As described by the Miracle Question (example pictured).

4) The client defines goal and therapist helps client develop solutions by using the MECSTAT method.

MECSTAT

Miracle Question

(Ask what client would do if a miracle took their problem away)

Exception questions 

(Find a time when client already achieved a similar goal)

Coping questions

(Help clients see times in life when they have coped in similar ways)

Scaling questions

(Have client measure own experience and growth using a scale)

Time-out 

(Provide time for problem-free discussions)

Accolades

(Build strengths of client by pointing out positive changes)

Task

(Provide homework to notice times when problem isn't there, etc...)

For more information on Solution Focus Therapy CLICK HERE.