Solution-Focused Therapy with Children: Harnessing Family Strengths for Systemic Change

by Matthew D. Selekman

This practice-oriented book demonstrates an innovative, effective, brief therapy approach for time-sensitive assessment and intervention with children and families. With trademark creativity, flexibility, and humor, Matthew Selekman combines the best elements of a range of current approaches with family play and art therapy techniques, to create a comprehensive solution-focused model. Illustrated by numerous case examples and session transcripts, and supported by empirical research, Solution-Focused Therapy with Children helps frontline clinicians--regardless of level of experience--master the skills they need to bring about rapid, lasting change.

232 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 1997

Reviews

[Brendan Rather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thorough reflection upon how to utilize Solution-Focused Therapy with children and adults. The general trajectory of treatment is detailed in a way that is structured, imaginable, and practical while also encouraging flexibility and dissuading undue assumptions. Unusual but insightful treatment techniques are proposed to disrupt dysfunctional behavioral patterns. I enjoyed the idea of asking empathetic and inquisitive questions during the first half of the first session before using the second half of the first session to consider a family’s ideal solutions (techniques to creatively inspire these solutions are also presented).

[jessi lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find myself using the tools that he describes alot in my work. I carry it around with me in my car and read it when i'm feeling burnt out & unsure of what to do next. It's very focused, and has good details and case examples. Overall, an excellent clinical guide.

Although I enjoy the process of getting the family to set realistic goals, it does make me wonder what is lost in the really structured goal-setting process. Like, is there another larger goal that is never even discussed, because it's thrown away as not realistic? Will the family ever get to work towards that larger goal, or have to confine their vision of change to smaller steps that the therapist deems as being possible?

Also, this book really assumes at least one active adult in the child's life. Tougher when the family is resisting any role for themselves in creating change & insisting, "fix my kid." or when they're an "up and outer" that you're mainly just trying to support in dealing with an awful family environment until they can leave.