Required Readings: Turner F J Ed 2017 Social Work Treatment

Required Readingsturner F J Ed 2017social Work Treatment In

Identify the assignment prompt: The task is to apply the solution-focused model to a previous fieldwork case. You need to briefly describe a problem perceived by a client, family, or group, then select and ask two different types of solution-focused questions (excluding the miracle question). For each question, explain how it would assist the client in finding solutions. Additionally, reflect on your feelings and the potential client’s feelings after asking these questions.

Paper For Above instruction

During my fieldwork placement, I worked with a teenage client who was experiencing academic difficulties and low self-esteem, which affected her motivation and participation in school activities. The client perceived her problem as a lack of confidence and consistent failure in her studies, which she believed was unchangeable despite her desire to succeed.

Applying the solution-focused approach, I selected two types of questions: exception questions and scaling questions. First, I asked, “Can you tell me about a time when you felt more confident or successful in your studies? What was different then?” This exception question aims to help the client identify moments of strength or success, highlighting possibilities for change and reinforcing her capacity to experience positive feelings. Recognizing these moments provides a foundation to build upon, encouraging hope and suggesting that improvement is possible.

Secondly, I asked, “On a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 means you feel completely hopeless about your studies, and 10 means you feel very confident and motivated, where do you see yourself right now?” This scaling question helps the client evaluate her current perceived level of confidence and motivation. It prompts her to reflect on her progress or setbacks and facilitates goal setting by clarifying her starting point and identifying small, achievable steps toward improvement.

Asking these questions would help the client develop solutions by focusing on her strengths and past successes rather than her difficulties, fostering a sense of empowerment and possibility. The exception question encourages her to recall moments of competence, which can be reinforced and replicated, while the scaling question allows her to measure her progress and visualize a path forward. These questions promote positive thinking and collaborative problem solving, essential components of the solution-focused model.

During the process of asking these questions, I felt hopeful and engaged, as I could see the potential for clients to identify their internal resources and success stories. I believe the client may feel appreciated and hopeful, as these questions validate her strengths and encourage her to see herself as capable of change rather than stuck in her problems. This approach fosters a supportive environment where clients can envision a more positive future and develop actionable steps to achieve it.

References

• DeJong, P., & Berg, I. K. (2013). The Solution-Focused Interview. Brooks/Cole.
• Kimberg, L. (2014). Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: An Effective Approach with Children and Adolescents. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 36(3), 217-229.
• O-Hara, M. (2017). Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: A Practical Guide. Sage Publications.
• Reeves, S., & Jackson, C. (2018). Enhancing Practice with Solution-Focused Techniques. Practice in Social Work Forum, 39(2), 25-33.
• Westefeld, J. S., & Heckman-Stone, C. (2003). The integrated problem-solving model of crisis intervention: overview and application. The Counseling Psychologist, 31(2), 221–239.
• Turner, F. J. (Ed.). (2017). Social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (6th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Watzke, L., & Skovholt, T. M. (2014). The mental health benefits of solution-focused therapy. Journal of Counseling & Development, 92(3), 324-331.
• Kimberg, L. (2014). Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: An Effective Approach with Children and Adolescents. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 36(3), 217-229.
• Johnson, S. D., & Williams, S.-L. (2015). Solution-focused strategies for effective sexual health communication among African American parents and their adolescents. Health & Social Work, 40(4), 267–274.
• Myer, R. A., Lewis, J. S., & James, R. K. (2013). The introduction of a task model for crisis intervention. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 35(2), 95–107.