Solution‐Focused Brief Therapy With Persons With Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Solution‐Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short‐term, goal‐focused, and client‐directed therapeutic approach that helps the client construct solutions rather than dwell on problems. SFBT has rarely been used with clients with intellectual disabilities (ID). The authors discuss how this relatively new form of therapy in an adapted form can be made suitable for clients with ID. The assumptions of this therapeutic approach, the types of problems and settings addressed by SFBT, and a description of the interventions used in SFBT are considered. Indications and contraindications for SFBT and empirical data on the effectiveness of the therapy are discussed both with regard to clients with or absent ID. The authors suggest that tailoring SFBT to clients with ID can be done by using simple language, modified interventions, and inserting other adaptations into the therapy process. In practice, even though clinical practice experience with SFBT has shown great promise, empirical research into SFBT applications with clients with ID is lacking. Research is thus needed to demonstrate whether SFBT with this target group can yield sufficiently effective results and to what extent SFBT is valued by clients and their carers.

Processes and effects of Solution‐Focused Brief Therapy in people with intellectual disabilities: a controlled study

“…However, SFBT can also be used for less severe problems, such as housekeeping issues (see Roeden et al . for the use of SFBT with a less severe problem). Third, SFBT encourages the involvement of staff in the therapeutic process.…”

“…These include a focus on the person's empowerment and skills rather than on deficits, unique interventions for each person based on particular skills and needs, and recognition of the expert status of the individual resulting in a sense of self‐efficacy within the therapeutic relationship (Roeden et al . ). In addition, MacDonald () found no statistically significant differences in the effects of SFBT between socioeconomic groups.…”

How to fail as a family therapist working with adults with learning disabilities: a paradoxical literature review

“…This, however, is a trap to be avoided at all costs by those aspiring to the highest forms of failure. Such a view is likely to result in the successful application of collaborative narrative therapy (Clare and Grant, 1994;Foster and Banes, 2009;Lynggaard and Scior, 2002;McFarlane and Lynggaard, 2009;Matthews and Matthews, 2005;Perry and Gentle, 1997;Scior and Lynggaard, 2006;Wilcox and Whittington, 2003) and solutionfocused brief-therapy interventions (Roeden et al, 2009;Smith, 2005). Once average family therapists start down this line of reasoning it is almost inevitable that they may be tempted, as others have been, to adapt techniques to include individuals with a disability in order to avoid perpetuating the oppression they experience in the dominant culture (Baum, 2006a;Fidell, 2000;Fredman, 2006;Lynggaard and Baum, 2006;Pote, 2006).…”

Ambiguities of ‘doing what works’: how professionals make sense of applying solution-focused support for people with intellectual disabilities

“…It proved to be effective and efficient in a diversity of therapeutic settings and mental-health-related counseling (De Shazer et al 2007;Gingerich et al 2012;Quick and Gizzo 2007;Stoddart et al 2001). More recently, it has also been adapted for empowering clients with intellectual disabilities (ID), for example by means of a greater use of simple language and a flexible approach in questioning and handling the process (Roeden et al 2009).…”