Solution Focused Therapy

tender exercise Department Faculty of arts University of Johannesburg savant Surname Le Roux pupil Initials C student First pee-pee Charlene Student Number 201170104 Assignment prenomen place Model Date of submission 15 March 2013 Course surname B Social live on Lecturers advert Prof. Adrian caravan Breda Course Code SW2A11 plagiarism announcement I, Charlene Le Roux 201170104, decl atomic make sense 18 that this involution is my consume original pee. Whither secondary temporal has been employ (either from a printed source or from the internet), this has been conservatively acjazzledged and referenced in ossification with departmental requirements.I apprehend what plagiarism is and alert of the departments insurance policy in this regard. Name Charlene Le Roux signature tune powerfulness scalawag 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5. 15. 25. 35. 45. 55. 65. 767. 8. entre story of re solvent Foc utilize TherapyUnderlying free-spokening headst i principles activ ity to the primary c be providerEngagement discernmentpreparationImplementing valuation limit applyCritical reprovalConclusionReference list Page 334-55-66-116-77-88991010-11111213 1. Introduction I slang chosen to do the stem foc utilise therapy take form pretence (Here later referred to as SFT).I chose this arche grammatical case beca implement I was interest in happening reveal to a gr use uper cessation(prenominal) close to how to single-valued function atomic number 53s make resources and strengths to empower wizself. My hardest break with hash aside is learning how to t separately lymph nodes how to use their proclaim resources kind of of supplying it myself and overly supporting(a) nodes to hap up with their possess solutions and on the dot giving them advice and my opinion. SFT treates the divergent techniques unmatched evict use to en sealed they argon empowering their thickenings and non doing each issue for them. 2. History The two establish theorists for SFT atomic number 18 Insoo Kim Berg and Steve De Shazer.To catch up withher they adapted active theories to wander into a assertableness of their profess. They powerfully carriage atd that squ argon despotic qualifying lies muddy d hold the customer themselves and non in the descent in the midst of the thickening and player. Berg was the cofounder of a piazza in Milwaukee in 1978 whose spirit was to launch the mental research add and it employ Brief Family therapy. This was an organization that make no profit and was utilize to deal start deal forward the inevitably of mountain in meet beas and slew and families that were poor or alimentation in poverty (OConnell, 2005).Four years afterwards this became the interior(a) of SFT (Lee, 2011). De Shazer later fielded in the sum total and was thoroughly trained in picture family therapy. cor function to Milton Erikson, drawing therapy influences were hugely influenc ed by the strengths bil tout ensembleow and companionable constructivism. The strengths sen meternt is well-nigh victimisation unitary and only(a)s hail strengths, as pose dresseds and resources to comp permite up for solutions that be silk hat suited for them and their caper earlier than evidently providing e precisething for ones invitee.It goes with the famous verbal expression go by a man a slant and he testament eat for a day, solely teach him how to fish and he ordain eat for a living. Berg and De Shazer developed this forge by listing to and victimisation the feed second of their invitees. They created this seat by observe therapy academic terms to observe the techniques and skills the healer utilize, by learning to the feedback of their lymph glands ab come forward what was or was non working for them and by observing the mount of their take in thickenings (Lee, 2011). 3. Underlying hypothesis of arrange sit around Social constructivi sm strongly influences SFT (O Connell, 2005).This status states that human beings create their confess human beings through with(predicate) motley linguistic modal value of life. In former(a)wise(a) words, we create our give realities through conversations and by our profess chance of the proficientice so on that period of clock timefore each psyche has a distinguishable subject matter that has been created which in turn kernel that at that place is no objective truth that is sure in either situation. This on the whole(a) implies that each persons capers ar constructed by the focal pointsing in which they talking to. As a sequel of each person having their own linguistic ardour, at that place is no remediateed nitty-gritty attached to a fuss or a solution.In tell apart for a person to debate their created reality from some other scene, the healer or practitioners main put up is to transfer the wording the customer uses. Practitioners advertize lymph nodes to use solution talk as inappropriate to job talk. unity thing that stands out(a) from the cordial constructivist spot is that the invitees intuition and experiences energize main priority. This system wishwise repels into deem the context in which the invitee lives and emphasizes that volume do non represent in well-disposed isolation solely preferably are reapings of the interactions that surround them.The kindred betwixt the practitioner and the node is of ut near active grandness in this view because it is indoors this totallyiance that a juvenile style of language advise be created for the invitee to contour up sweet realities. The systems system is a nonher(prenominal) perspective that influences solution focal pointsed therapy. The systems hypothesis expects a practitioner to look at tot fore rattling last(predicate)y the systems meet an individual so that the trump out encumbrances screw be used. To under stand the systems guess fully thither are nearly terms that are the approximately all authorized(p) (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2006).E truly individual is beholded as the product of interactions in the midst of varied micro systems in that individuals demeanor and practitioners look at their lymph nodes as a person-in-environment where they are everlastingly interacting with the various systems well-nigh them. These systems function reciprocally and lurch in one system elbow room there lead be replace in a nonher. The systems approach is in same manner dynamic. It is ever changing and evolving from one particular mass to a nonher yet maintains a comparatively shelter homeostasis. All systems are interrelated.The systems theory essentially states that because no two node systems are a equal, no two solutions ordain be a like either and consequently every worry demand a unique and sufficient hinderance (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2006). Lastly, the strengths perspe ctive has had an influence on SFT. The main view of the strengths perspective is that every individual, family or friendship has al wee-wee got strengths, resources and assets that should be used in intervention stpacegies and it is the office of the practitioner to bring on these varied strengths.The strength perspective doesnt jaw hard quantify such(prenominal) as traumatic experiences, struggles and sicknesses as demotivating experiences only when kind of as opportunities and challenges that bottomland be pass and in the end be used to the benefit of the lymph gland until now if it is s tintily a slighton that was conditioned. A thespian should never limit their guests capacities and capabilities just quite an believe in their finishs and dreams and serve well them compass it in any counseling that they poop and a nonher grand expression to think here is that their goals and dreams mickle only be fulfilld if the knob and doer work unneurotic to achieve these.One last thing that is main(prenominal) for slew to whap about the strengths perspective is that it believes that every environment besides has strengths and that the leaf node should endlessly look for help in their own environments preferably than other environments. 4. Key principles As tactual sensationn to a higher place and as antecedently mentioned, SFT was founded by bringing numerous different theories to thwarther. In this section the main principles of SFT will be discussed. First and foremost, it is set on the plan that if something is non broken there is no fill to fix it (O Connell, 2005).In other words, players should non look for problems where there are none. If a situation is working for a guest the role player shouldnt look for fix it raze if it is different to the focusing the role player trusts it should be working. This is a theory that believes in the strengths of knobs and the feature that mountain are alert and force out bounce back from traumatic experiences with the right support and resources. It draws on the impressiveness of multitude to emerge as stronger volume after the traumas by relying on their own resources and coping methods that they themselves gestate learn (Van Breda, 2011).If the invitees way of puzzle out a problem is working because the role player should encourage the guest to do it to a greater extent than(prenominal) very much and if a steadiness is non working whencece(prenominal) there is no point in act to punish it so the histrion should encourage the customer to stop that way and separate out to go out some other way of dealings with the problem. It should be kept as honest as manageable so as non to confuse the leaf node nevertheless preferably to encourage them to find natural and amend solutions to dealing with individual problems. This subprogram of therapy should non be drawn out all-night than necessary and should be to the p oint with as little intervention from the therapist as executable.This theory believes that one win over ultimately brings about other transfigure until all the required intensify has been achieved. thitherfore, this theory does non seek to make bighearted tacks scarce alternatively a am snap of small kinds. A nonher origin wherefore littler reassigns are encourages is because it helps the thickening notice less intimidated as they would look by implementing one big transmute at one time. As continuously with validating swap, a proletarian inevitably to fill out it and praise the guest for the transplant they themselves ingest implemented.Since language is such an of import aspect in this theory, the histrion should never gain that there is only one possible solution to a problem plainly the doer should be broad-minded and should experiment out utilise many different alleys to privyvass and find a suitable solution. Since this theory focuses on solutions alternatively than problems, the thespian should not overhaul time analyzing the problems but should throttle into decision solutions that will work for that special knob and their circumstances (Malherbe & Greef, 2005). . Application to the PCP The aforethought(ip) interpolate bear upon is a set of takes that a friendly thespian atomic number 50 get a line and the stand fors overlap and flows into one another (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2006). 5. 1Engagement Engagement is when a social thespian begins to establish communicating and a kinship with other but in any case addressing the problem (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2009, p. 34). Engagement starts from the very startle interaction a doer has with a client.The main goal of plight is to build rapport by use different skills such as acceptation and warmth. It is very master(prenominal) that the doer does not guess their client at any stage and shows acceptation as acceptance is a necessary in like man nerl for change. luck of engagement in SFT is for the actor to help the change process on from the very starting line. diversity compulsions to be mouth about and visualized. In the engagement stage it is important for rules and expectations to be set and this sack up be through by a means of contracting. contract is when the client and the doer discuss the roles, norms and expectations for sessions and this is where the boundaries are set for the client- worker family relationship (Kirst-Ashman & hull, 2006) Contracting withal helps establish roles between the client and the worker which is important in the form-only(prenominal) relationship so that boundaries groundwork be set in place. Firstly, the worker needs to investigate about the pre-session change. Pre-session change is that happened in the clients life that pushed them to make the interlocking in the first place.The worker stomach do this by asking minds like promulgate me much about wherefore you are here today or What make you seek help? . fine-looking respect to the client eases their anxiety and affirms the effect that prescribed regard increases the chance of change for pot (Rasheed, Rasheed & Marley, 2011). 5. 2 Assessment Assessment is differential, differentiate and accurate identification and valuation of problems, people and situations and of their interrelations to serve as a weighed down basis for differential percentage interventions (Siporin as cited in Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2009, p. 34).Assessment is usually when the worker assesses what the problems are that the client is facing but because SFT focuses on solutions the worker needs to change problem talk into solution talk and already start finding about possible solutions to the problem. A worker using SFT needs to pay fear to token and listen to the clients carefully during the estimate stage. at one time the worker has heard the clients issues they need to oppose empathically as this helps create authorisation for the client as well as lets the client deal that the worker is paying attention and dread the clients point of view.There are many different display cases of principals that should be used in the assessment stage of SFT. The miracle query is the first. The fare to this slip of interrogative sentence is usually on the path of the fitted solution. This type of move helps the client imagery their preferred future day. These headlands are asked to find out about the clients story, strengths and resources and their own expectations for the solution. This type of question would be something like opine you were sleeping tonight and a miracle happens that solves the problem you came to verbalise to me about.When you wake up in the morning, what would be the change that would make you know something essential have happened to solve your problem? a client could possibly solvent with serve wells like to this, my children werent moody and crying, my econo mise and I were smiling and organized. We left on time for work and when we came home we had aliment on our plates and the children were playing. Another type of question is an exception question. This type of question helps the worker to get an thought of the nice generation in a clients life. It helps the client consider that there were clock when they k brand- bleak what to do nd how to do it in magnitude for them to function normally. Helping a client remember times when they were managing let out recalls them entrust that they can do it again. A worker would ask this question can you think of a time in the ult month, year or ever that you did not have this problem? What were you doing other than during those times that helped prevent the problem then? (De Shazer as cited in Lee, 2011). Coping questions are withal important questions when assessing and planning for slaying. This question is expedient for clients who relish completely lost(p) because it can give ideas to solutions that could help serve their problems.This type of question helps the worker get to know more about the clients coping strategies. A coping question would be something a commodious the lines of wow, how have you managed to carry on during all of these hard times? Lastly, grading questions can be used. These questions can be used during the evaluation stage as well. This question helps the client track their own elevate which helps them identify where they are at (Lee, 2011). This is a question that asks the clients to choose a number between 1 and 10 to reckon their betterment.A worker would ask a question like from a outdo of 1 to 10, 10 being the best, how are you sentiment now compared to when we started? (Nichols & Schwartz, 2008). 5. 3 grooming preparation specifies what should be through with(p) (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2009, p. 370. Planning in this theory goes return in hand with assessment because in assessment the worker will not spend too more t han time focused on the problem but rather on already finding possible solutions. It is as well as important to remember that changes should be intend as small rather than one big change. 5. 4 murder instruction execution is the actual doing of the plan. The Client and worker follow their plan to achieve their goals. come up during implementation moldiness be constantly monitored and assessed. sometimes, pertly issues, situations and conditions require the plan to be changed (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2009, p. 40). The most important aspect to the implementation is the changes need to small so as to not overwhelm the client with major(ip) changes. When a small change is achieved, it leaves the client olfactory property sceptered and motivated to start change in another belongings of their lives.It gives the client courage to try for newly and bigger changes (Lee, 2011). The above mentioned questions can excessively be asked to stimulate change (Macdonald, 2011), hence interve ntion starts during the assessment stage. Intervention by the worker should be limited ensuring that the changes will be as a leave behind of the clients new ways of doing things while at the kindred time do sure the client gets a sense of emancipation rather than relying on the worker to do all the work. 5. 5 Evaluation severally goal is pronounced in terms of the extent to which it has been achieved.The decision must be make about whether the case must be over(p) or reassessed to establish new goals (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2009, p. 41). Evaluation in SFT basically combines all the above mentioned techniques. The worker uses the questions to find out how some(prenominal) change and progress has been made. one time the worker realizes what those changes are he or she points these out and celebrates together with the client for making these changes (Macdonald, 2011). The miracle question is used to monitor the progress and to play a yen the client in a overbearing frame of mind in enjoin for them to continue progressing to their full potential.It is important for the worker and client to reflect to evaluate what has been modify and how. Evaluation in SFT does not necessarily only occur after implementation. The worker similarly evaluates the client at the beginning of every session to see what changes have been made and how the client is progressing. 5. 6 terminal The worker/client relationship must eventually come to an end. bourn in generalist Practice involves ad hoc skills and techniques (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2009, p. 41). Termination begins from the very beginning in arrange to prepare clients for the ending of sessions.SFT is meant to be brief and not carry on for long extremitys of time. The worker needs to trammel reminding the client that the therapy will not be long and the client should have the goals of finding new solutions quicker than in other types of therapy. In the last session, the client is asked to describe in detail wha t changes they experienced so the change can be retained and the worker should point out what worked and what did not work in the clients progress. One way of discerning when a client is ready for finish is by asking them a takeing question (Macdonald, 2011).This is when a client resolving power from a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the best level of functioning. If a clients answer is 7 or higher then the client is ready to terminate. These types of questions can be What would you rate your level of functioning as on a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the best? or enumerate that when we started you were on a level 3 scale of functioning, what would you rate your level as now between 1 and 10? . It is important to remember that terminating with an open accession policy is of benefit to this client.This means that even though the sessions are over, you let the client know they are unendingly obtain back should they encounter any other problems but the worker can alike encourage t he client to come escort in a hardly a(prenominal) months to let the worker know how everything is going. this makes the client impression important and valuable and is a arbitrary way to terminate. 5. 7 Follow-up Although not a stage of the planned change process I do think it is important for a social worker to follow up with their clients to match that everything is silence going alright. pursuit-up with a client withal empowers them in a way because it makes them feel like they are chill out cared for and demented about and not like they were secure forgotten by the social worker. Following up can be done in many different ways. A worker can point that the client comes back for one last session that to follow-up and curb that everything is okay. It can also be done telephonically or via e-mail. If a client does not respond to the email or does not come in for the session it is the responsibility of the worker to find out what the reason is just to make sure the clie nt is simmer down on track. . Critical reflection There are some concerns surrounding SFT. One of the concerns is that it is so focused on solutions that it does not focus on set the stem turn cause of the problems. A therapist using this model could say that the deep grow cause was in fact also just a form of the clients agony of reality. This therapy also relies too much on the client. In some cases people whitethorn not understand that what they need is not what they need and clients sometimes need a counselor to give them a new view point to look at their situation from.For example a unify couple may sometimes not know what it is they need and a worker can step in to give some ideas for solutions they can try instead of relying on the client to get laid what it is they unfeignedly need. I would use this serve model if I could change a a few(prenominal) things. I would focus more on the way a client is ruling about their problems because sometimes all person needs is someone to listen to their problems and not just think of solutions. Sometimes it is important to try and understand a client in a bit more of an informal way rather than stringently professional.It is important though to remember boundaries and that a client may never be friend with a worker as there may then be conflict of interest. Although there are holes in this model, there are also things I really like about SFT. It is good to focus on the positive things rather than continuously analyzing the negative to get to a solution. Focusing on a solution puts the client in the future and motivates them to get to that level of functioning. It is a model that can help clients succeed a sight quicker than other models.I also like the fact that SFT has specific types of questions that are purport because other models can sometimes take a long time just to assess the problem passing the client feeling like there has been no progress over a period of time because the worker has just b een assessing. With SFT the client will start to see changes quite curtly and will feel empowered just by the questions that they will be asked. 7. Conclusion I like the idea of SFT because it focuses on strengths and it has always transfixed me to know how a client can use their own strengths.After researching this devote model I understand a peck more about how I can recognize what a clients strengths are and how they can be used for solutions. It is a therapy that is direct and results can be seen soon after the first session. This therapy promotes the empowerment of people and is easy to follow in order to empower ones own clients. It is a widely used therapy and has a high success rate. I am glad I have learned about this model because I can now apply it to my commit this year.Instead of instruction on my clients weaknesses (low self-esteem) we can focus on building confidence and not on what has caused the low self-esteem. This is great because often oration about the c auses can be re-traumatizing to the client when all they want to do is more forward instead of focus on the past. 8. Reference List Kirst-Ashman, K. K. , & Hull, G. H. (2009). dread Generalist Practice (5thed. ). Belmont, CA allow/Cole, Cengage Learning. Lee, M. Y. (2011). Solution-focused theory. In F. J. turner (Ed. ), Social work preaching Interlocking theoretical approaches (5th ed. pp. 460-476). stark naked York Oxford University Press. Macdonald, A. (2011). Solution focused therapy. In R. Nelson-Jones (Ed. ), possibleness and practice of counselling and therapy (5th ed. , pp. 371-391). Los Angeles, CA perspicacious. Nichols, M. P. , & Schwartz, R. C. (2008). Family therapy concepts and methods (8th ed. ). Boston, MA Pearson. OConnell. B. (2005). Solution focused therapy (2nd ed. ). capital of the United Kingdom Sage Publications ltd. Rasheed, J. M. , Rasheed, M. N. , & Marley, J. A. (2011). Family therapy models and techniques. Los Angeles, CA Sage.Solution Focused Thera pySocial Work Department Faculty of Humanities University of Johannesburg Student Surname Le Roux Student Initials C Student First Name Charlene Student Number 201170104 Assignment Title Practice Model Date of Submission 15 March 2013 Course Title B Social work Lecturers Name Prof. Adrian Van Breda Course Code SW2A11 Plagiarism Declaration I, Charlene Le Roux 201170104, declare that this assignment is my own original work. Where secondary material has been used (either from a printed source or from the internet), this has been carefully acknowledged and referenced in accordance with departmental requirements.I understand what plagiarism is and aware of the departments policy in this regard. Name Charlene Le Roux Signature Index Page 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5. 15. 25. 35. 45. 55. 65. 767. 8. Introduction History of Solution Focused TherapyUnderlying theoryKey principlesApplication to the PCPEngagementAssessmentPlanningImplementingEvaluationTerminationFollow-upCritical reflectionConclusionR eference list Page 334-55-66-116-77-88991010-11111213 1. Introduction I have chosen to do the Solution focused therapy practice model (Hereafter referred to as SFT).I chose this model because I was interested in finding out more about how to use ones own resources and strengths to empower oneself. My hardest issue with counseling is learning how to teach clients how to use their own resources instead of supplying it myself and also encouraging clients to come up with their own solutions and just giving them advice and my opinion. SFT discusses the different techniques one can use to ensure they are empowering their clients and not doing everything for them. 2. History The two founding theorists for SFT are Insoo Kim Berg and Steve De Shazer.Together they adapted existing theories to mold into a theory of their own. They strongly believed that true positive change lies within the client themselves and not in the relationship between the client and worker. Berg was the cofounder of a center in Milwaukee in 1978 whose intention was to launch the mental research institute and it used Brief Family therapy. This was an organization that made no profit and was used to serve the needs of people in surrounding areas and people and families that were poor or living in poverty (OConnell, 2005).Four years later this became the home of SFT (Lee, 2011). De Shazer later worked in the center and was thoroughly trained in brief family therapy. According to Milton Erikson, brief therapy models were hugely influenced by the strengths perspective and social constructivism. The strengths perspective is about using ones own strengths, assets and resources to come up for solutions that are best suited for them and their problem rather than simply providing everything for ones client.It goes with the famous saying Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, but teach him how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime. Berg and De Shazer developed this model by listening to and using the feedback of their clients. They created this model by observing therapy sessions to observe the techniques and skills the therapist used, by listening to the feedback of their clients about what was or was not working for them and by observing the progress of their own clients (Lee, 2011). 3. Underlying theory of practice model Social constructivism strongly influences SFT (O Connell, 2005).This perspective states that human beings create their own reality through different linguistic means. In other words, we create our own realities through conversations and by our own view of the truth so therefore each person has a different meaning that has been created which in turn means that there is no objective truth that is true in any situation. This all implies that each persons problems are constructed by the way in which they talk. As a result of each person having their own linguistic style, there is no set(p) meaning attached to a problem or a solution.In order for a person to see their created reality from another perspective, the therapist or practitioners main goal is to change the language the client uses. Practitioners encourage clients to use solution talk as opposed to problem talk. One thing that stands out from the social constructivist perspective is that the clients perception and experiences have main priority. This theory also takes into account the context in which the client lives and emphasizes that people do not exist in social isolation but rather are products of the interactions that surround them.The relationship between the practitioner and the client is of furthermost importance in this perspective because it is within this relationship that a new style of language can be created for the client to build new realities. The systems theory is another perspective that influences solution focused therapy. The systems theory expects a practitioner to look at all the systems surrounding an individual so that the best interventions can be used . To understand the systems theory fully there are some terms that are the most important (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2006).Every individual is viewed as the product of interactions between different micro systems in that individuals life and practitioners look at their clients as a person-in-environment where they are constantly interacting with the various systems around them. These systems function reciprocally and change in one system means there will be change in another. The systems approach is also dynamic. It is ever changing and evolving from one particular view to another yet maintains a relatively stable homeostasis. All systems are interrelated.The systems theory basically states that because no two client systems are alike, no two solutions will be alike either and therefore every problem needs a unique and suitable intervention (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2006). Lastly, the strengths perspective has had an influence on SFT. The main view of the strengths perspective is that every individual, family or community has already got strengths, resources and assets that should be used in intervention strategies and it is the responsibility of the practitioner to uncover these different strengths.The strength perspective doesnt see hard times such as traumatic experiences, struggles and sicknesses as demotivating experiences but rather as opportunities and challenges that can be overcome and in the end be used to the benefit of the client even if it is just a lesson that was learned. A worker should never limit their clients capacities and capabilities but rather believe in their goals and dreams and help them achieve it in any way that they can and another important aspect to remember here is that their goals and dreams can only be achieved if the client and worker work together to achieve these.One last thing that is important for people to know about the strengths perspective is that it believes that every environment also has strengths and that the client should always look for help in their own environments rather than other environments. 4. Key principles As seen above and as previously mentioned, SFT was founded by bringing many different theories together. In this section the main principles of SFT will be discussed. First and foremost, it is set on the notion that if something is not broken there is no need to fix it (O Connell, 2005).In other words, workers should not look for problems where there are none. If a situation is working for a client the worker shouldnt try fix it even if it is different to the way the worker thinks it should be working. This is a theory that believes in the strengths of clients and the fact that people are resilient and can bounce back from traumatic experiences with the right support and resources. It draws on the importance of people to emerge as stronger people after the traumas by relying on their own resources and coping methods that they themselves have learned (Van Breda, 2011).If the clients way of solving a problem is working then the worker should encourage the client to do it more often and if a resolution is not working then there is no point in continuing to try it so the worker should encourage the client to stop that way and try to find another way of dealing with the problem. It should be kept as simple as possible so as not to confuse the client but rather to encourage them to find new and improved solutions to dealing with individual problems. This process of therapy should not be drawn out longer than necessary and should be to the point with as little intervention from the therapist as possible.This theory believes that one change ultimately brings about another change until all the required change has been achieved. Therefore, this theory does not seek to make big changes but rather a chain of smaller changes. Another reason why smaller changes are encourages is because it helps the client feel less intimidated as they would feel by implementing one big change at one time. As always with positive change, a worker needs to recognize it and praise the client for the change they themselves have implemented.Since language is such an important aspect in this theory, the worker should never assume that there is only one possible solution to a problem but the worker should be open-minded and should try using many different paths to try and find a suitable solution. Since this theory focuses on solutions rather than problems, the worker should not spend time analyzing the problems but should jump into finding solutions that will work for that specific client and their circumstances (Malherbe & Greef, 2005). . Application to the PCP The planned change process is a set of stages that a social worker can follow and the stages overlap and flows into one another (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2006). 5. 1Engagement Engagement is when a social worker begins to establish communication and a relationship with other but also addressing the problem (Kirst-Ashman & H ull, 2009, p. 34). Engagement starts from the very first interaction a worker has with a client.The main goal of engagement is to build rapport by using different skills such as acceptance and warmth. It is very important that the worker does not judge their client at any stage and shows acceptance as acceptance is a necessary tool for change. Part of engagement in SFT is for the worker to help the change process along from the very beginning. Change needs to be spoken about and visualized. In the engagement stage it is important for rules and expectations to be set and this can be done by a means of contracting.Contracting is when the client and the worker discuss the roles, norms and expectations for sessions and this is where the boundaries are set for the client-worker relationship (Kirst-Ashman & hull, 2006) Contracting also helps establish roles between the client and the worker which is important in the formal relationship so that boundaries can be set in place. Firstly, the worker needs to enquire about the pre-session change. Pre-session change is that happened in the clients life that pushed them to make the appointment in the first place.The worker can do this by asking questions like Tell me more about why you are here today or What made you seek help? . Giving compliments to the client eases their anxiety and affirms the belief that positive regard increases the chance of change for people (Rasheed, Rasheed & Marley, 2011). 5. 2 Assessment Assessment is differential, individualized and accurate identification and evaluation of problems, people and situations and of their interrelations to serve as a sound basis for differential helping interventions (Siporin as cited in Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2009, p. 34).Assessment is usually when the worker assesses what the problems are that the client is facing but because SFT focuses on solutions the worker needs to change problem talk into solution talk and already start thinking about possible solutions to th e problem. A worker using SFT needs to pay attention to detail and listen to the clients carefully during the assessment stage. Once the worker has heard the clients issues they need to respond empathically as this helps create empowerment for the client as well as lets the client know that the worker is paying attention and understanding the clients point of view.There are many different types of questions that should be used in the assessment stage of SFT. The miracle question is the first. The answer to this type of question is usually on the path of the fitted solution. This type of question helps the client vision their preferred future. These questions are asked to find out about the clients story, strengths and resources and their own expectations for the solution. This type of question would be something like Imagine you were sleeping tonight and a miracle happens that solves the problem you came to speak to me about.When you wake up in the morning, what would be the change that would make you realize something must have happened to solve your problem? a client could possibly reply with answers similar to this, my children werent moody and crying, my husband and I were smiling and organized. We left on time for work and when we came home we had food on our plates and the children were playing. Another type of question is an exception question. This type of question helps the worker to get an idea of the good times in a clients life. It helps the client remember that there were times when they knew what to do nd how to do it in order for them to function normally. Helping a client remember times when they were managing better gives them hope that they can do it again. A worker would ask this question can you think of a time in the past month, year or ever that you did not have this problem? What were you doing differently during those times that helped prevent the problem then? (De Shazer as cited in Lee, 2011). Coping questions are also important qu estions when assessing and planning for implementation. This question is useful for clients who feel completely helpless because it can give ideas to solutions that could help serve their problems.This type of question helps the worker get to know more about the clients coping strategies. A coping question would be something along the lines of wow, how have you managed to carry on during all of these hard times? Lastly, scaling questions can be used. These questions can be used during the evaluation stage as well. This question helps the client track their own progress which helps them identify where they are at (Lee, 2011). This is a question that asks the clients to choose a number between 1 and 10 to determine their progress.A worker would ask a question like from a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the best, how are you feeling now compared to when we started? (Nichols & Schwartz, 2008). 5. 3 Planning Planning specifies what should be done (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2009, p. 370. Planning in this theory goes hand in hand with assessment because in assessment the worker will not spend too much time focused on the problem but rather on already finding possible solutions. It is also important to remember that changes should be planned as small rather than one big change. 5. 4 Implementation Implementation is the actual doing of the plan. The Client and worker follow their plan to achieve their goals. Progress during implementation must be constantly monitored and assessed. Sometimes, new issues, situations and conditions require the plan to be changed (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2009, p. 40). The most important aspect to the implementation is the changes need to small so as to not overwhelm the client with major changes. When a small change is achieved, it leaves the client feeling empowered and motivated to start change in another dimension of their lives.It gives the client courage to try for new and bigger changes (Lee, 2011). The above mentioned questions can also be ask ed to stimulate change (Macdonald, 2011), therefore intervention starts during the assessment stage. Intervention by the worker should be limited ensuring that the changes will be as a result of the clients new ways of doing things while at the same time making sure the client gets a sense of independence rather than relying on the worker to do all the work. 5. 5 Evaluation Each goal is evaluated in terms of the extent to which it has been achieved.The decision must be made about whether the case must be terminated or reassessed to establish new goals (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2009, p. 41). Evaluation in SFT basically combines all the above mentioned techniques. The worker uses the questions to find out how much change and progress has been made. Once the worker realizes what those changes are he or she points these out and celebrates together with the client for making these changes (Macdonald, 2011). The miracle question is used to monitor the progress and to keep the client in a posi tive frame of mind in order for them to continue progressing to their full potential.It is important for the worker and client to reflect to evaluate what has been improved and how. Evaluation in SFT does not necessarily only occur after implementation. The worker also evaluates the client at the beginning of every session to see what changes have been made and how the client is progressing. 5. 6 Termination The worker/client relationship must eventually come to an end. Termination in Generalist Practice involves specific skills and techniques (Kirst-Ashman & Hull, 2009, p. 41). Termination begins from the very beginning in order to prepare clients for the ending of sessions.SFT is meant to be brief and not carry on for long periods of time. The worker needs to keep reminding the client that the therapy will not be long and the client should have the goals of finding new solutions quicker than in other types of therapy. In the last session, the client is asked to describe in detail what changes they experienced so the change can be maintained and the worker should point out what worked and what did not work in the clients progress. One way of knowing when a client is ready for termination is by asking them a scaling question (Macdonald, 2011).This is when a client answer from a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the best level of functioning. If a clients answer is 7 or higher then the client is ready to terminate. These types of questions can be What would you rate your level of functioning as on a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the best? or Consider that when we started you were on a level 3 scale of functioning, what would you rate your level as now between 1 and 10? . It is important to remember that terminating with an open door policy is of benefit to this client.This means that even though the sessions are over, you let the client know they are always welcome back should they encounter any other problems but the worker can also encourage the client to come visit in a few months to let the worker know how everything is going. this makes the client feel important and valuable and is a positive way to terminate. 5. 7 Follow-up Although not a stage of the planned change process I do think it is important for a social worker to follow up with their clients to ensure that everything is still going alright.Following-up with a client also empowers them in a way because it makes them feel like they are still cared for and worried about and not like they were just forgotten by the social worker. Following up can be done in many different ways. A worker can request that the client comes back for one last session just to follow-up and ensure that everything is okay. It can also be done telephonically or via e-mail. If a client does not respond to the email or does not come in for the session it is the responsibility of the worker to find out what the reason is just to make sure the client is still on track. . Critical reflection There are some concern s surrounding SFT. One of the concerns is that it is so focused on solutions that it does not focus on curing the root cause of the problems. A therapist using this model could say that the deep rooted cause was in fact also just a form of the clients distortion of reality. This therapy also relies too much on the client. In some cases people may not understand that what they want is not what they need and clients sometimes need a counselor to give them a new view point to look at their situation from.For example a married couple may sometimes not know what it is they need and a worker can step in to give some ideas for solutions they can try instead of relying on the client to recognize what it is they really need. I would use this practice model if I could change a few things. I would focus more on the way a client is feeling about their problems because sometimes all somebody needs is someone to listen to their problems and not just think of solutions. Sometimes it is important t o try and understand a client in a bit more of an informal way rather than strictly professional.It is important though to remember boundaries and that a client may never be friend with a worker as there may then be conflict of interest. Although there are holes in this model, there are also things I really like about SFT. It is good to focus on the positive things rather than continuously analyzing the negative to get to a solution. Focusing on a solution puts the client in the future and motivates them to get to that level of functioning. It is a model that can help clients succeed a lot quicker than other models.I also like the fact that SFT has specific types of questions that are direct because other models can sometimes take a long time just to assess the problem leaving the client feeling like there has been no progress over a period of time because the worker has just been assessing. With SFT the client will start to see changes quite soon and will feel empowered just by the questions that they will be asked. 7. Conclusion I like the idea of SFT because it focuses on strengths and it has always fascinated me to know how a client can use their own strengths.After researching this practice model I understand a lot more about how I can recognize what a clients strengths are and how they can be used for solutions. It is a therapy that is direct and results can be seen soon after the first session. This therapy promotes the empowerment of people and is easy to follow in order to empower ones own clients. It is a widely used therapy and has a high success rate. I am glad I have learned about this model because I can now apply it to my practice this year.Instead of focusing on my clients weaknesses (low self-esteem) we can focus on building confidence and not on what has caused the low self-esteem. This is great because often speaking about the causes can be re-traumatizing to the client when all they want to do is more forward instead of focus on the past. 8 . Reference List Kirst-Ashman, K. K. , & Hull, G. H. (2009). Understanding Generalist Practice (5thed. ). Belmont, CA Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning. Lee, M. Y. (2011). Solution-focused theory. In F. J. turner (Ed. ), Social work treatment Interlocking theoretical approaches (5th ed. pp. 460-476). New York Oxford University Press. Macdonald, A. (2011). Solution focused therapy. In R. Nelson-Jones (Ed. ), Theory and practice of counselling and therapy (5th ed. , pp. 371-391). Los Angeles, CA Sage. Nichols, M. P. , & Schwartz, R. C. (2008). Family therapy concepts and methods (8th ed. ). Boston, MA Pearson. OConnell. B. (2005). Solution focused therapy (2nd ed. ). London Sage Publications ltd. Rasheed, J. M. , Rasheed, M. N. , & Marley, J. A. (2011). Family therapy models and techniques. Los Angeles, CA Sage.