Interviewing for Solutions

"Interviewing for Solutions" is wonderful. I would encourage anyone interested in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to read this book. "Interviewing for Solutions" supplies the reader with a overview of SFBT, as well as demonstrating SFBT in action via examples of interviews with various clients. Regardless of the counseling orientation one takes when assisting clients, the book provides valuable tools for all! In addition to this book, I would highly suggest obtaining a few of the lecture tapes of Berg, de Shazer and etc from the Brief Family Therapy Center.

Although solution focused-brief therapy is considered a paradigm, this book could very well be used in any introductory, microskills class, and it should. The authors put forth a paradigm that is easy to learn (yet technique is perfected with much experience),and it places focus on the client's "non-problem" life. This is important because what we tend to focus on tends to increase. The authors present SF in a way that is very empowering to both the therapist and the client. For the therapist who is interested in genuinely helping people, this will work, but you cannot use this approach and have an ego-issue w/regard to being an "expert." Rightly, the client is the expert on his/her own life.A first-class text, and a keeper!

In the year 2000, this book was my first acquaintance with the solution focused approach to helping people. I had heard from a collegue (who is also a management coach) about solution focused working and, although I thought it sounded promising, I remained a bit skeptical. However, from the very moment I started reading 'Interviewing for solutions' my attention was firmly captured. Two chapters later I was practically sold. The approach is very clearly explained and the many dialogues in the book are really excellent (especially those by Insoo Kim Berg). After reading this book I started reading and learning more and I began using solution focused working in my practise as a coach and consultant. With peasure and success.

When I teach solution-focused therapy and students ask what's worth reading to supplement their learning, I tell them Interviewing for Solutions by De Jong and Berg is at the top of my list. I think of it as the basic text in solution-focused therapy--with clear explanations of all the interviewing techniques and chocked full of vivid case examples. This book has much that is useful for those new to this approach as well as the seasoned solution-focused therapist. Phillip Ziegler, co-author of Recreating Partnership: A Solution-Oriented, Collaborative Approach to Couples Therapy

This book is easy to read and it gives you the necessary basics to start working from a solution focused perspective. It contains many examples and case scenarios which help you to become solution focused. It is a must have reference for todays counselor!