Solution Oriented Practice gives a more detailed look at the development of this type of practice in Highland Council.
The Basic Assumptions of a Solution Focused Approach.
- It is not necessary to emphasise and explore the causes of problems in order to develop solutions.
- There are always exceptions to the problem – times when things are better.
- A small change can lead to bigger changes.
- Everyone has skills and competencies, and can contribute – all views are of equal value.
- Once you know what works – do more of it.
How we use Solution Focused Approaches
We are committed to working in a solution focused way. This means that when we are facilitating Liaison Group meetings we aim to spend 20% of the time on the concerns about the young person or child and 80% on the solutions. We will be looking for strengths and coping strategies, exceptions to the problems and where little changes can be made. We will also be helping people to establish clear goals.
Scaling Questions are a useful Solution Focused strategy which we might use:
These questions can be an important technique as they can give a sense of change and often lead to the identification of small well defined steps towards the goal. Scaling questions can also check progress.
For example; ‘I’m still a bit confused about how things have been going. Let’s say we have a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is the worst things could possibly be and 10 is where the problem has completely gone. Where are you today?’
How did you manage to get to 3 or how did you manage to stay out of the negative? How will you know when things are at 10.
What will people notice when you get to 5?
Asking 'The Miracle Question' is also a common Solution Focused technique:
When people are asked to describe a problem free future, it helps to suggest the idea that there will be a time when the problem is solved. The very act of describing the solution helps define the goal and makes the solution seem more achievable.
The Miracle Question also helps establish goals. The person practices in their head problem free behaviour.
The Miracle Question: suppose tonight you go to bed and go to sleep and while you are sleeping a miracle happens and the problem that brought you here has gone. When you wake up how will you discover that the miracle has happened? What will be different? As you go into school/work how will you look? What will your friends notice is different about you. The more clearly defined the solution is the more achievable it is.
This question helps people to feel free to imagine a problem free future and can provide details about their aspirations. The picture is made as detailed as possible. The person is asked what he will be doing differently, how will other people respond, how will this make a difference.