Introduces a Powerful New Brief Therapy Approach

This groundbreaking book is the first to provide a comprehensive model for effectively blending the two main postmodern brief therapy approaches: solution-focused and narrative therapies. It harnesses the power of both models—the strengths-based, problem-solving approach of SFT and the value-honoring and re-descriptive approach of Narrative Therapy–to offer brief, effective help to clients that builds on their strengths and abilities to envision and craft preferred outcomes.

Authored by a leading trainer, teacher, and practitioner in the field, the book provides an overview of the history of both models and outlines their differences, similarities, limitations and strengths. It then demonstrates how to blend these two approaches in working with such issues as trauma, addictions, grief, relationship issues, family therapy and mood issues. Each concern is illustrated with a case study from practice with individual adults, adolescents, children, and families. Useful client dialogue and forms are included to help the clinician guide clients in practice.

Each chapter concludes with a summary describing and reinforcing the principles of the topic and a personal exercise so the reader can experience the approach first hand.

Contents:

• Foreword by Elliot Connie, LPC
• Preface
• 1. Meaningful Solutions
• 2. Solution Focused Stories
• 3. Action-Filled Narratives
• 4. Triumph Over Trauma
• 5. Relationship Presentations
• 6. Dangerous Habits
• 7. Timeless Influences
• 8. Reintroducing School Clients
• 9. Writing Miracle Days With Families
• 10. The Path to Less Distress
• 11. Treatment Planning and Group Therapy
• Summary
• Personal Exercise
• Appendix: Guiding Constructs of Solution Focused Narrative Therapy
• Index

Author Bio:

Linda Metcalf, PhD, LPC-S, LMFT-S, is a professor and director, Graduate Counseling Program, Texas Wesleyan University. She is a licensed professional counsellor and licensed marriage and family therapist in Texas and maintains a private practice in the Fort Worth, Texas, area. Dr. Metcalf is a leader in the development and application of solution focused approaches in a wide range of settings and audiences, as well as the practice of marriage and family therapy. She is the author of numerous books including the best-selling Counseling Toward Solutions: A Practical Solution-Focused Program for Working With Students, Teachers, and Parents, 2nd Edition. Dr. Metcalf has served as president and board member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) as well as president of the Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Additionally, she is the current president of the Association of Solution Focused Practitioners and has presented and trained extensively throughout the United States and internationally, including Australia, Japan, Norway, Germany, United Kingdom, Thailand, Amsterdam, Singapore, and Canada.