Identifying an Exception in Solution-Focused Counseling

Excerpt from Session by Jeffrey Guterman, Ph.D. http://www.jeffreyguterman.com Assistant Professor, Counseling Department http://www.barry.edu/counseling Barry University http://www.barry.edu on March 20, "Advanced Techniques for Solution-Focused Counseling" at the American Counseling Association's 2010 Conference in Pittsburgh. Video by Gemma Philage.

Verbatim Transcript:

GUTERMAN: So let's go back to our client who has constructed the problem of ineffective coping skills for work stress. It's a solvable problem. Converted it to a goal, if you recall, as increasing his effective coping skills for work stress. And as a little exercise, if you would share, then, a question, what specific question might you ask this client aimed at identifying an exception? This is a pretty simple exercise. Given what we've reviewed thus far. That we've identified the goal as increasing his effective coping skills for work stress. Or, if you will, you want to decrease his work stress. It can work either way. It can work either way. What might be the question you'd ask this client to identify an exception? Anybody? Yes. Nice and loud.

ATTENDEE: When was there a time where you weren't stressed out by your job?

GUTERMAN: She said, "When was there a time when you were not stressed out by your job?" Okay. Very good. Anybody else? Yeah.

ATTENDEE: Tell me about a time when you really enjoyed your job.

GUTERMAN: Ah! That's also very good. "Tell me about a time when you really enjoyed your job." Yeah . . .

Category:

Education

Tags:

• solution-focused
• counseling
• exception
• jeffrey
• guterman
• American
• Counseling
• Association
• 2010
• Conference
• Pittsburgh