A Solution Focused approach
It’s not just positive thinking.
Nor just a set of questions.
And it doesn’t ignore problems.
Unlike traditional, problem-centric approaches, Solution focused (SF) work asks ‘what do you hope for?’
We contemplate what is wanted and the ideal future outcome.
We harness existing strengths and resources, explore possibilities, and together, we co-create solutions.
SF encourages us to contemplate our:
future hopes
past successes
current strengths, resources and next steps.
A solution focused approach is a mindset, a philosophy, a way of being.
The founders of SF work, including Steve de Shazer, identified many life enhancing assumptions around factors such as; service users, problems, change and the practice, which differentiate SF from traditional approaches. We will explore these foundations more in future blog posts, but a few notable ones include:
Change is happening all the time.
A small change can make a big difference … and lead to a ripple of change.
The solution may not be related to the problem.
Thus, focusing only upon the problem, may not be helpful.
Exceptions.
No problem happens all of the time - exceptions can be identified and utilised.
A focus on hope, possibilities, and what is wanted.
Rather than what is not wanted.
Self Efficacy.
Everyone has unique strengths, are an expert in their own lives & can create their own solutions.
The future is created and negotiable.
What do you hope for?
So…what do you hope for?
I’ll look more at this very helpful question in my next post. See you then.
Better is always possible: with hope.