Solution Focused Narrative Therapy

Description

This groundbreaking book is the first to provide a comprehensive model for effectively blending the two main postmodern brief therapy approaches: solution focused and narrative therapies. It harnesses the power of both models—the strengths-based, problem-solving approach of SFT and the value-honoring and re-descriptive approach of narrative therapy—to offer brief, effective help to clients that builds on their strengths and abilities to envision and craft preferred outcomes. Authored by a leading trainer, teacher, and practitioner in the field, the book provides an overview of the history of both models and outlines their differences, similarities, limitations, and strengths. It then demonstrates how to blend these two approaches in working with such issues as trauma, addictions, grief, relationship issues, family therapy, and mood issues. Each concern is illustrated using a case study from practice that focuses on individual adults, adolescents, children, or families. Sample client dialogues and forms are included to help the clinician guide clients in practice. Each chapter concludes with a summary describing and reinforcing the principles of the topic and a personal exercise so the reader can experience the approach firsthand. KEY FEATURES: Describes how two popular postmodern therapy models are combined to create a powerful new therapeutic approach—the first book to do so Includes case studies reflecting the model’s use with individual adults, children, adolescents, and families Provides supporting dialogue and forms for practitioners Authored by a leading figure in the application of SFT in a variety of settings Presents an overview of the history of both models Cover Title Copyright Contents Foreword Preface References Share Solution Focused Narrative Therapy Chapter 1: Meaningful Solutions The Search Is On . . . From Modern to Postmodern: Seeing Clients as Experts Postmodern Models at Work Narrative Therapy Solution Focused Therapy Applying the Blend of Ideas to Valerie’s Case Rebuilding a New Presentation Adding Noteworthy Encouragement The New Brand Sells The Power of Redescription Using Redescription to Create New Presentations Results of the Blend Summary Personal Exercise References Chapter 2: Solution Focused Stories Combining Strengths of Both Models Guiding Constructs of Solution Focused Narrative Therapy Putting the Constructs to Work Summary Personal Exercise References Chapter 3: Action-Filled Narratives Solution Focused Narrative Therapy: Conversational Ideas Best Hopes Mapping the Effects of the Problem Constructing the Preferred Story Exception Gathering: Getting Distance From the Problem Preparing the Presentation of the Preferred Future and Moving Up the Scale Summarizing and Inviting Clients to Watch for Success What About the Next Session? Summary Personal Exercise References Chapter 4: Triumph Over Trauma Storytelling 101: Finding Resolution to a Plot Seventy-Seven Years: A Timeline to a Preferred Future Composing a New Chapter After Trauma From Trauma to Resolutions: Let the Words of the Client Guide the Way Dear Client: Teach Me How to Talk to You Summary Personal Exercise References Chapter 5: Relationship Presentations Therapists Make Presentations, Too Changing the Rules To Change Someone, Change Yourself Relatable Moments That Build Trust Doing Things Differently With Adolescents Packing Up the Baggage and Reclaiming a Relationship Summary Personal Exercise References Chapter 6: Dangerous Habits Habits Happen as a Method of Coping Gaining Personal Control There’s a Monster in My Head Coping Safely Assumptions About Clients With Dangerous Habits Substance Abuse Habits Moving Beyond the Roadblocks Rearranging the Furniture Distancing From Self-Injury Reclaiming Health From Eating Disorders Guiding Template for Clients With Dangerous Habits Summary Personal Exercise References Chapter 7: Timeless Influences Videos, Ornaments, and Aftershave The Art of Re-Membering Finding Peace for Lilly Addressing Early Childhood Issues Summary Personal Exercise References Chapter 8: Reintroducing School Clients Making a Campus Appearance How Schools Respond to Problems Attempts to Change Behavior Academic Labels Notifications No More Summary Personal Exercise References Chapter 9: Writing Miracle Days With Families Writing New Miracles With Families Guiding Ideas for Working With Families Gaining Control of a Diagnosis A Blended Family Gets Together Creating a New Chapter After Loss Parenting and Couplehood Reconciliation Forever Family Sculpting: Managing a Change of Characters Summary Personal Exercise References Chapter 10: The Path to Less Distress Gaining Distance From a Diagnosis Perspective-Shifting Exercise Externalizing Diagnoses Ideas and Steps for Externalizing Problems The Woman I Used to Be Exceptional Descriptions Always Seek Exceptions for Direction Summary Personal Exercise References Chapter 11: Treatment Planning and Group Therapy Collaborative Approach to Assessment and Transition Planning Solution Focused Narrative Approach Changing the Focus of Staff From Admission to Discharge in One Conversation Group Therapy for Solution Building Steps to Take When Beginning a Group Summary Personal Exercise References Appendix: Guiding Constructs of Solution Focused Narrative Therapy Index