A Solution Focused Approach

Many people experiencing drug and alcohol problems often become isolated and develop negative views of themselves and others - the language and visuals of the Solution Focused Approach helps workers to introduce an element of doubt into this negative and destructive view.

By eliciting "exceptions" to the presenting problem, i.e. "times when they have kept well and not allowed the misuse to take control" - conversations focus on "how they did that?"; "what strategy worked for them?"; "what were the signs that things were slipping back?" and "how they kept themselves safe from slipping back?"  

Questions like this are effective in highlighting strengths and resources which the client may perceive as negative because they are attached to the failure of relapse but in reality this is where the journey towards a renewed recovery needs to start in order that the worker can establish "what worked in the past" and harness these strategies to help the client achieve their new goal.

Because the Approach does not focus on who is to blame for the problem but rather who can do what to help that change take place - it is has been evaluated by clients and their families as a "direct, no-nonsense approach".

A Solution Focused Approach training day with the staff of CASCADE, a drug & alcohol unit in Berkshire.

The training includes positive ways of engaging clients who have become stuck and raises staff awareness of how language used in 1:1 and Group sessions can help clients achieve change. The approach is used extensively with entry and discharge sessions with clients and their partners as part of rehabilitative work. The ethos of the Approach is to work collaboratively with the client to help them identify small, attainable and salient goals towards recovery.

For details about further courses and to discuss arranging an in-house course - please contact the Consultancy on Tel: 0208 542 9310 or email: info@brief-therapy-uk.com