From problem-solving to solution-constructing -Pathways of systemic solution-focused brief therapy

Abstract

This article outlines the development of systemic therapy from a pure problem-solving model - in which knowledge of the problem is a prerequisite to the solution - to a solution constructing model. Following self-organization theory, solution-focused brief therapy is seen as creating the conditions for the possibility of a self-organized phase-transition in complex biological, psychological and social systems. Later versions of “Systemic Therapy” tend to fulfill this goal by activating clients’ resources and by reinforcing their responsibility. In doing so it seems no longer necessary to reconstruct the patterns that generate or maintain problems in order to promote change. This also leads to a new understanding of the role-definitions within the therapist-client-interaction: the therapist becomes more an expert for the process and for dealing with the characteristics of people and social systems; he is no longer an expert for solutions. In the final discussion, five areas are described which help to give reasons for the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy. The authors refer to the far-reaching similarities of this approach to the concept of a “General Psychotherapy” (Grawe). It is also emphasized that there is a need to do more empirical studies to build an even stronger foundation for the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy.

Keywords:
Solution-focused approach, problem-solving model, solution-constructing model, resource-orientation, self-organization theory, systems dynamic