Social Workers Who Use The Solution-Focused Model Are Mi
Social Workers Who Utilize The Solution Focused Model Are Mindful of H
Social workers who utilize the solution-focused model are mindful of how their conversations with their clients, families, groups, or even community members facilitate their thinking about solutions. The client is always the “expert,” and therefore social workers ask questions to explore how the client perceives the problem and situation. Social workers may use solution-focused questions such as the miracle question. For example, “Suppose you woke up one morning and by some miracle everything you ever wanted, everything good you could ever imagine for yourself, had actually happened—your life had turned out exactly the way you wanted it. What would be different in your life?” When clients are asked this, it forces them to reflect on what they want or would like to achieve.
By projecting themselves into the future, clients are more likely to imagine what is possible rather than focusing on the past and their failures. This allows for the possibility of developing solutions. In this discussion, you will apply the solution-focused model and solution-focused questions. You will provide other solution-focused questions, similar to the miracle question provided. Although the textbook provides actual examples of solution-focused questions, always think about your client—you may have to modify the question to take into account the client’s age, cognitive and developmental stage, culture, etc., so that the question makes sense to the client.
To prepare: Recall a case from your experience working in a domestic violence shelter to use for this discussion. By Day 3 Post: In 1 to 2 sentences, briefly identify and describe the problem as perceived by the client, family, or group that you dealt with in your past experience. From the list of solution-focused questions on page 520 (e.g., exception questions, coping questions, scaling questions, and relationship questions), identify two different types of questions, and ask each question as if you were actually asking the client. (Remember, do not use the miracle question.)
Remember that the goal of these questions is to assist clients in identifying a solution. Explain how asking these two questions would help the client in coming up with the solution. In 1 to 2 sentences, reflect and explain how asking these questions made you feel and perhaps how the client might feel.
Paper For Above instruction
In working with clients from a domestic violence shelter setting, understanding the importance of solution-focused questions is essential for fostering hope and empowering clients to envision a positive future. During my experience, a typical client perceived their problem as feeling overwhelmed by constant conflict at home, which hindered their ability to see any possibility for change. This perception often left clients feeling helpless and stuck, unsure of how to move forward. To facilitate their journey toward resolution, I selected two solution-focused questions: an exception question and a scaling question, to help them identify moments of relief and measure their progress.
First, I asked an exception question: “Can you tell me about a time when you felt slightly safer or less overwhelmed at home? What was different during those times?” This question encourages clients to recall moments when the problem was less intense, helping them recognize existing resources or situations that contribute to positive change. It broadens their perspective, highlighting instances of resilience or success that can be built upon to create lasting solutions.
Secondly, I used a scaling question: “On a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 means you feel completely stuck and helpless, and 10 signifies that you feel confident and in control, where would you say you are today?” This question provides a measurable way for clients to reflect on their current state and identify small steps towards improvement. It helps clients realize that progress is possible, even if it seems minor initially, and fosters motivation to move towards higher numbers on the scale.
Asking these questions made me feel hopeful and curious because they focus on possibilities rather than limitations. I recognized that clients might feel a sense of empowerment when they realize they have experienced moments of strength or control, which can motivate further change and resilience. For clients, these questions might evoke feelings of acknowledgment and hope, encouraging them to see their own capacity for change and growth amidst challenging circumstances.
References
- Berg, I. K. (1994). Solution-focused brief therapy. W. W. Norton & Company.
- More than miracles: The state of the art of solution-oriented brief therapy. Routledge.