While solution-focused therapy is a valid method of treatment in social work, there are many situations where it is not the appropriate primary intervention. In particular where there are issues that stem from macro-level problems such as policy, systematic or institutionalized discrimination or unfairness, solution-focused therapy and interventions can be offensive. In such situations it is important to preface the intervention with acknowledgement of that which is unjust or cannot be changed, along with counselling that leads to an understanding of seeking the best possible outcomes, rather than “solutions”. Sometimes there are no solutions per se which deal with the reality of a situation for a social work client; however there is almost always a best possible approach to seeking the best possible outcome, even in such circumstances. Toros and colleagues (2016) provide an excellent example of this in their research with regard to child protection, and the reflection of social work students. Focusing on strengths and miracle based questions can reframe and refocus problems through solution-focused techniques, but it should not always a stand-alone response.
Solution-focused therapy can be useful, even where the problems are institutional and systematic in nature, because it explores the best possible outcome regardless of the scenario. To that end, combining solution-focused therapy with education and counselling interventions can be a practical way of focusing on strengths despite the serious nature of weaknesses and problems which underlie the situation. As one example, Zhang and colleagues (2016) have conducted research showing the practical benefits with regard to the post-traumatic growth of mothers in group therapy who are in the process of accepting their child’s diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Referring to this as a “solution” can be misleading for the mother who seeks a “solution” to their child’s diagnosis, however by focusing on strengths in a group setting with similar others, mothers were able to better accept the reality and plan for best possible outcomes.
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- Toros, K., LaSala, M. C., & Medar, M. (2016). Social work students’ reflections on a solution-focused approach to child protection assessment: a qualitative study. Social Work Education, 35(2), 158-171.
- Zhang, W., Yan, T. T., Du, Y. S., & Liu, X. H. (2014). Brief report: effects of solution-focused brief therapy group-work on promoting post-traumatic growth of mothers who have a child with ASD. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 44(8), 2052-2056.
