Becoming a Solution Detective

If you are interested in making your practice solution-focused quickly and effectively, look no further than this text. The authors, co-founders of the Brief Therapy Group, demystify the process of psychotherapy, making the concept of solution-based therapy accessible and relevant for newcomers to the field and for professionals seeking to apply SFBT principles in their own practices. The book’s hands-on approach allows practitioners to adopt the authors' simple, self-teaching style and apply it to their work with clients. Practical information is included on:the differences between the solution-based approach and traditional therapyestablishing a successful therapeutic alliance with clientsdetermining detailed, meaningful goals for the client mapping the client’s journey to a solutionpossible “dead ends” in applying this type of therapy and much more!As an academic textbook, it is ideal for individual study in a variety of courses, including social work, counseling, nursing, psychology, education, and any other helping professions.

"This book presents solution-focused principles and methods in a concise, accessible way. The authors invite both therapists and the general public to learn and apply these tools right away – both in therapy and in one’s personal life. The second edition adds important information that will help therapists to become 'solution detectives' in their own practices as well!" - Ellen Quick, PhD, Kaiser Permanente, author of Core Competencies in Solution-Focused and Strategic Therapies"Ideas for working through setbacks and challenges in therapy are explored, focusing on understanding client motivation, obtaining feedback on their perspective of the therapeutic process, and ensuring good quality therapist self-care. It is, perhaps, this reminder to continue to strive for balance in my personal and professional life in a climate of client and societal disquiet that I found most helpful in this highly readable book." - Helen Hardacre, Healthcare Journal

John Sharry, DPsych, is a family and child psychotherapist and works part-time as Principal Social Woker for the Mater Hospital and as a Director of the Parents Plus Charity. He co-founded the Brief Therapy Group in Dublin, Ireland, in 1998 with Brendan Madden and Melissa Darmody.Brendan Madden, MA, is a psychologist with over 20 years experience in the behavioral healthcare and employee assistance sectors. He is Chief Executive of Relationships Ireland, a not-for-profit counseling agency. Melissa Darmody, DPsych, is a counseling psychologist whose current role is Clinical Director of Towards Healing, the Catholic Church service for adult survivors of abuse in Ireland. She also has a successful clinical practice in supervision and training.