Interviewing for Solutions - Softcover

De Jong, Peter; Kim Berg, Insoo

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0534231608 ISBN 13: 9780534231606

Publisher: Brooks Cole, 1997

Synopsis

This exciting book focuses on interviewing skills based on solution-focused therapy, an approach especially suited to today's practice demands in the helping professions. Originally developed by Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg, and their colleagues, this unique approach views clients as competent, helps them to visualize the changes they want, and builds on what they already are doing that is working. Throughout the book, the authors present models for solution-focused work, illustrated by examples and supported by research.

About this title

About the Author

Peter De Jong, Ph.D., is a professor of social work at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has been an outpatient therapist, case worker, and led trainings and consultations with mental health clinics, family service agencies, juvenile corrections programs, and schools. In addition to co-authoring (with Insoo Kim Berg) two earlier editions of INTERVIEWING FOR SOLUTIONS, he has written several articles and book chapters on solution-focused therapy. Peter continues to develop new practice tools and therapy and training manuals, and to conduct research on practice and how new practitioners acquire a solution-focused outlook and skills.

Review

"The strengths perspective is such an exciting paradigm shift for the helping professions. It holds such promise for clients and practitioners alike. Whereas the more traditional problem-solving approach can be overwhelming for clients and a source of burn-out for professionals, I think solution-focused interviewing would be more empowering for clients and would tap into the more creative aspects of the therapeutic process for both the client and the practitioner. The book not only explains step-by-step how to interview from this perspective, but gives background information on how the problem-solving method came to be the solution method of choice for most of the professions, the history of solution-building, substantial research on the effectiveness of solution building, plus an appendix that includes special helps and forms used in conjunction with this approach."

" . . . an excellent introductory text which is based on an empowerment-oriented perspective to practice with individuals, families, and groups."

Edition details

• Publisher: Brooks Cole
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0534231608
• ISBN 13: 9780534231606
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 262