Introduction to Solution-Focused and Motivational Interviewing
Overview of Both Approaches:
o Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) emphasizes identifying and building on
client strengths and solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
o Motivational Interviewing (MI) focuses on resolving ambivalence and
strengthening motivation for change.
Commonalities and Differences:
o Both approaches emphasize collaboration, client autonomy, and strengths-based
interventions.
o SFBT is future-focused and goal-directed, while MI is process-oriented and
focuses on change talk.
Applications in Clinical and Non-Clinical Settings:
o Useful during Mental health counseling, coaching, social work, substance use
treatment, healthcare, and education.
2. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Origins and Key Theorists:
o Developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg in the late 20th century.
o Based on the idea that clients already possess the resources needed for change.
Fundamental Principles:
o The client is the expert in their own life.
o Focus on solutions rather than analyzing problems.
o Small changes can lead to significant improvements.
Core Techniques:
o Miracle Question: “If a miracle happened and your problem was solved
overnight, what would be different?”
o Exception Finding: Identifying times when the problem did not occur and
exploring what was different.
o Scaling Questions: Asking clients to rate progress or confidence levels on a scale
from 1-10 to gauge change.
o Compliments and Affirmations: Reinforcing client strengths and progress to
encourage positive change.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Core Techniques
3. Introduction to Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Developed by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick in the 1980s to address
ambivalence toward change.
Core Principles:
o Express Empathy: Using reflective listening to understand the client’s
perspective.
o Develop Discrepancy: Highlighting the gap between current behaviors and
desired goals.
o Roll with Resistance: Avoiding confrontation and instead working with client
reluctance.
o Support Self-Efficacy: Encouraging belief in one’s ability to change.
The Spirit of MI:
o Collaboration: Working alongside the client rather than taking an authoritative
stance.
o Evocation: Drawing out the client’s own motivation for change.
o Autonomy: Respecting the client’s right to make their own choices.
Core Techniques of MI
OARS Framework:
o Open-ended questions: Encourage deeper responses (e.g., “What are your
thoughts about changing this behavior?”).
o Affirmations: Positive reinforcement of client strengths (e.g., “You’ve been
working hard on this.”).
o Reflective listening: Rephrasing client statements to show understanding and
encourage further discussion.
o Summarizing: Recapping key points to reinforce progress.
Change Talk vs. Sustain Talk:
o Change Talk: Client statements that express desire, ability, reason, or need for
change.
o Sustain Talk: Client statements that reinforce maintaining the status quo.
o Strategies to enhance change talk and reduce sustain talk.
Four Processes of MI:
o Engaging: Building rapport and trust.
o Focusing: Identifying the specific issue to address.
o Evoking: Eliciting change talk from the client.
o Planning: Developing concrete steps toward change.
Role-Playing Exercise:
o In pairs, students practice OARS techniques with a hypothetical client scenario.
o Feedback session on strengths and areas for improvement.
Application, Integration, and Ethical Considerations
Integrating SFBT and MI in Practice
Complementary Aspects of Both Approaches:
o SFBT helps clients focus on solutions, while MI helps them resolve ambivalence.
o Both approaches value client autonomy and collaboration.
Case Formulation Strategies:
o When to use SFBT vs. MI, or when to blend both techniques.
o Tailoring interventions based on client readiness and goals.
Tailoring Approaches to Different Clients:
o Adapting MI and SFBT for clients at different stages of change (e.g.,
precontemplation vs. action stage).
o Addressing resistance with MI strategies and reinforcing small successes with
SFBT techniques.
Live Demonstration and Feedback:
o Instructor-led demonstration of integrating MI and SFBT in a session.
o Class discussion on observed techniques and effectiveness.
Ethical and Cultural Considerations
Ethical Guidelines for MI and SFBT:
o Respect for client autonomy and informed consent.
o Avoiding coercion and maintaining a client-centered stance.
Addressing Cultural Sensitivity:
o Recognizing how cultural backgrounds influence perspectives on change and
solutions.
o Culturally adapting interventions to align with client values.
Avoiding Pitfalls:
o Imposing Change: Clients must be ready for change; therapists should avoid
forcing their own agenda.
o Therapist Bias: Avoiding assumptions about what solutions are best for the
client.
Discussion: Challenges in Real-World Application
o Common barriers (e.g., client resistance, time constraints, ethical dilemmas).
o Strategies for overcoming these challenges.
Wrap-Up and Q&A
Review of Key Takeaways:
o MI and SFBT are complementary, client-centered approaches that empower
individuals to create change.
o Effective use of OARS, scaling questions, and change talk can facilitate progress.
