Solution focused group therapy : ideas for groups in private practice, schools, agencies, and treatment programs

Abstract

In our managed care era, therapy, long domain of traditional psychodynamically oriented therapists, has emerged as best option for millions of Americans. However, process can be frustratingly slow, and studies show that patients actually feel worse after months of treatment than when they began. Can and should the group speed a person's progress? Now, in this must have book, marriage and family therapist Linda Metcalf persuasively argues that collaborative nature of therapy actually lends itself to time-limited treatment. She combines best elements of work and popular solution focused brief therapy approach to create new opportunities for practitioners and patients alike. Among topics covered in this valuable guide are: how to learn model how to design a and recruit members how to identify exceptions to a member's self-destructive behaviors and thoughts how to help members focus on their successes rather than their failures how to keep solution focused when therapists or members fall back into old patterns This unique resource also includes case examples and session transcripts to follow, together with reproducible forms that can be used as they are or tailored to a therapist's needs. Solution Focused Group Therapy is an up-to-the-minute, highly accessible resource for therapists of any orientation. Managed care companies in particular will welcome this model, which deals so effectively and economically with today's biggest problems, including eating disorders, chemical dependencies, grief, depression, anxiety, and sexual abuse.