Solution Oriented

Solution Oriented therapy is usually a brief and focused encounter with a therapist or group.

Most models of therapy can be considered problem-focused because they concentrate on dealing with the nature or the reasons of the client's problem. Resource- and solution-oriented therapy is based on the assumption that the causes of a problem need in no way be related to the solutions. A good outcome can be achieved even if the cause of the problem is not known.

Those who use resource- and solution-oriented models have been influenced by many scholars. They hold the view that people constantly create stories about their own life and thereby create also their own selves. The therapist's job is to help the client to produce and maintain stories of coping and success instead of stories about failure.

Resource- and solution-oriented interviews aim at co-operation with the client in every way. Their goal is to help him produce and maintain optimism, dignity and control of his life. The starting point of the conversations is the client's own view of what his problem is about and how he hopes things will change. Together the client and the therapist discuss how the desired events, successes and good moments could be brought about. Various "home assignments" are used to support the process of change.

Resource- and solution-oriented methods have increased their popularity in the past few years in the fields of social work, health care and rehabilitation. The only requirement is that the client wants to discuss his situation.

Usually a client needs 4-12 meetings. The therapy takes some months, sometimes even longer. Many professionals can participate in the meetings, and the client's family members, fellow workers and friends can also be included.