Assists clinicians, regardless of experience level, in learning and applying the concepts of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to particular situations with clients. This book lays a foundation of knowledge, providing chapters on the crucial assumptions and practices, history, and epistemology behind the approach.

About the Editors Contributors Foreword (Yvonne Dolan) Introduction Acknowledgments SECTION I: FOUNDATIONS Chapter 1. Assumptions and Practices Within the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Tradition (Frank N. Thomas and Thorana S. Nelson) Introduction The Interactional View Clinical Thinking: Taking a Solution-Focused Posture Basic Assumptions Practices Conclusion Chapter 2. Springs, Streams, and Tributaries: A History of the Brief, Solution-Focused Approach (Brian Cade) Introduction Milton H. Erickson Communication in Therapy Strategists and Tacticians The Brief Therapy Center, Palo Alto Brief Family therapy Center, Milwaukee Keys to Solution: The Wizard of Oz Technique Who Wants What? Language and Figure/Ground Applications and Outcome Studies Concluding Thoughts Dedication Chapter 3. Miraculous Knowing: Epistemology and Solution-Focused Therapy (Duane R. Bidwell) Introduction Thinking About Knowing: A Historical Summary A Postmodern Turn in Psychology: Social Constructionist Theories Shifting the Epistemological Focus in Family Therapy The Character of Solution-Focused Knowing Miracles of Being Conclusion: Pointing Toward the Future SECTION II: APPLICATIONS Chapter 4. Solution-Focused Therapy with Couples (Phillip Ziegler and Tobey Hiller) History and Ideas of Our Approach Case Examples Chapter 5. Looking Beyond Depression (Teri Pichot) Introduction Miracle Question Scaling Exception Questions Relationship Questions Difference Questions Compliments Case Example Conclusion Chapter 6. Solution-Focused Treatment with Domestic Violence Offenders (Mo Yee Lee, John Sebold, and Adriana Uken) Introduction The Big Picture from a Researcher’s Perspective A New Beginning Theoretical Explanations of a Solution-focused Approach Shifting to a Solution-Focused Approach Working with Other Systems Evaluation of the Treatment Program Conclusion Chapter 7. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in Public School Settings (Cynthia Franklin and Beth Gerlach) Introduction Evidence Base for SFBT in Schools Advantages of Using SFBT in Public Schools Introducing SFBT in Public Schools Successfully Working on School Campuses Building Collaborative Relationships Working with Students Working with Students and Parents Working with Administrators Working with Teachers Working with Other mental Health Professionals in Schools Conclusion Chapter 8. Solution-Focused Work with Children and Young People (Paul Hackett and Guy Shennan) Introduction SFBT for Which Children? Case Example Cautionary Notes Chapter 9. Tips and Tricks for Working with Children (Sabine Tolksdorf and Mark Mitchell) Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in a German Classroom Solution-focused Brief Therapy with Children Chapter 10. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in Faith-Based Communities (Dan Gallagher) Introduction Finding Out What the Person Wants Grief: The Life of the Party Spiritual Issues God’s Job To Divorce or Not to Divorce: Is That the Question? On the Fly: A Hospital Visit Working with Groups Conclusion Chapter 11. This Job Is So Demanding. Using Solution-Focused Questions to Assess and Relieve Burnout (Yvonne Dolan and Thorana Nelson) Introduction Amy Conclusion Chapter 12. Applying Solution-Focused Brief Therapy in Mental Health Practice (Alasdair J. Macdonald) Introduction to the Medical Model Influence of History and Culture Major Mental Disorders Urgent Assessment Scheduled Assessments Management of the Acutely Disturbe