Background & aims

Brief solution-focused approaches identify those 'higher-order' factors which are most effective for a particular individual. Therefore rather than the therapist being tied into a particular set of principles which she/he tried to apply to all comers, the therapist identifies those principles which hold good for a particular person. A rather more thorough going and radical approach.

This course aims to introduce attenders to the principles of a brief solution focused approach in such a way that they have a firm grasp of them and will be able to start using them with their own clients in a safe and helpful way. By the end you will be at home with the approach which is a breath of fresh air both to offender and professional.

Brief, Solution-Focused Approaches to Working with Offending

"Another very good course, totally relevant to my work with young offenders. Thank you for making it so interesting and enjoyable"
YOT officer

In 3 days you will cover a great deal:

What are brief solution-based approaches and how do they relate to working with offenders? An examination of their background, history, definitions and current usage.

How problems develop and how they may become out of all proportion to the original cause. How this analysis can - paradoxically - be refreshing for both you and your clients.

How the solutions that offenders adopt sometimes fuel the problem, and how to introduce new solutions.

The changing of failing strategies. The paradox whereby some professionals will indulge in more rather than a failing strategy. Why they do this and how it can be reversed.

The use of a brief therapy assessment form and its application to your own clinical caseload.

Reframing the problem; seeing the problem in a different light can sometimes radically alter the way it appears. This is a major method of helping offenders to see their situation differently, and therefore to begin to act differently. Often shrouded in mystery, we demystify it and introduce a reliable method for producing reframes.

The use of anecdotes, parables and metaphor in therapy. How they (partly) relate to reframing, why they work so effectively and how to generate them.

How to use exceptions in order to find solutions. The concept of a template for success. The miracle question and other powerful questions to ask to generate solutions and exceptions to the rules of offending.

Developing a future focus; the two reasons why this is a key. How the future can be planned and how it can be achieved. The doubly-essential reasons for doing this.

Where to from here? How to capitalise on the course.

Throughout there are exercises that help you apply the material to your own situation and to realise the practical implications of the theoretical constructs.

Up to 16 people may attend this 3-day course for a fixed fee. This price includes all tuition, handouts, tutors travel and accommodation.

All you need to provide is a good teaching room and refreshments.

See our Training Planner for more information.