Mastering the art of solution-focused counseling

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, Jul 2006 by Mineo, Janet

Guterman, J. T. (2006). Mastering the art of solution-focused counseling. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association, 150 pp., $39.95.

In the spirit of postmodernism and social constructionism, Guterman's Solution-Focused Counseling provides a forum for therapists and clients to co-create change. The author describes his clinical model as "an integration of solution-focused theories and techniques, an emphasis on postmodern principles, and a strategic approach to eclecticism" (p. 2). Walking the reader through his journey as a mental health professional, Guterman explains his evolution from rational-emotive behavior therapy and his invaluable training with Albert Ellis, to his doctoral training in marriage and family therapy at Nova Southeastern University, and finally to his present faculty position at Barry University-all of which have informed the development of his clinical practice and the solution-focused counseling model.

The author's emphasis on problem formation and change, as well as "the client's story as the organizing metaphor during counseling" (p. 20), builds the foundation for his model. To support his discourse, Guterman relates Milton Erickson's famous childhood story of the horse and the barn to illustrate how the concept of resistance can be used to promote change. His powerful clinical examples of the co-creation of change between therapist and client, and his attention to "the pragmatics of hope and respect" (Berg & Dolan, 2001, p. 1), further build on this foundation, as he creates a strength-based structure for the therapy process.

Guterman incorporates the systemic concepts of process and content into the formulation of his principle of "strategic eclecticism." He states that "solution-focused counseling is a metatheory or a 'process model' of counseling" and "has a unique eclectic capability in cases when a client's frame of reference (informal content) is in keeping with the formal content [theory of problem formation] of some other clinical approach" (p. 29). Along with the fundamental principles of solution-focused and postmodern theories, he weaves this strategic eclecticism into his model for those clients who feel a need to "search for causes to their problems" (p. 5). Hence, throughout his book, he clearly demonstrates and stresses the adaptability of this model as well as its usefulness for the client and therapist.

Conversely, the strength of this model may also seem to be a weakness to some readers. As Guterman mentions, "In some cases, I fear that counselors use the term eclectic to refer to an 'anything goes' approach" (p. 21). He goes on to mention Ginter, who cautions against "practicing eclectic models that combine disparate theories in an unsystematic manner" (p. 29). Although much controversy has been created over this "E" word in academic circles, wading through the semantics surrounding this term reveals that the author's definition of the word eclectic is quite different than for those who practice in an unsystematic manner. In his effort to provide a flexible alternative model, he also has systematically provided a solid model for therapy. Perhaps "strategic eclecticism" would be better named strategic integration.

While most master's and doctoral students muddle through the plethora of theories and models of counseling, they often wonder if sticking to one model means imposing a limit on their therapeutic tools. Using solution-focused counseling, a student or professional therapist can work "outside the box" of one model by integrating techniques and interventions from other models that (1) fit the client's frame of reference, (2) follow a process model, and (3) offer a sound structure for therapy.

REFERENCES

Berg, I. K., & Dolan, Y. (2001). Tales of solutions: A collection of hope-inspiring stories. New York: W. W. Norton.

Janet Mineo

Nova Southeastern University