Opportunities in Solution-Focused Interviewing

Written by the developers of the microanalysis of opportunities approach, this book describes how clinicians can use this model when listening and responding to clients in solution-focused therapy, training, coaching, and supervision. Joel K. Simon and Lance Taylor begin by reviewing the evolution, philosophical foundations, and intervention tools of solution-focused brief therapy, sharing how their practice has evolved over time from their clinical experience with clients, trainees, supervisees, and colleagues. Moving from theory to practice, the book then explores microanalysis of opportunities, beginning with how the authors developed the approach and created the process. Replete with actual examples of conversations between clients and therapists, and between trainer and trainee, the book demonstrates how the model can be applied in practice with analyses and discussions about analyzed material throughout. It displays the application of the approach to coaching, supervision, and training. This valuable book will not only be useful to therapists new to solution-focused brief therapy, but also to those who are experienced solution-focused practitioners. Psychotherapists, clinical social workers, counselors, and other mental health professionals will find this an illuminating read.

Joel K. Simon has been in clinical social work practice for over 40 years in a variety of both inpatient and outpatient settings. He has been a solution-focused practitioner, trainer, presenter, and consultant since 1992. He is a founding member of the Solution Focused Brief Therapy Association. Lance Taylor, MSc, RPsych, in a career spanning 53 years, has worked as a therapist, clinical supervisor, trainer, manager and mentor in community mental health and private psychology practice. He trained with the originators of the model, was a founding member and served as president of the Solution Focused Brief Therapy Association in North America.

Introduction 1. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Foundations 2. Building Convergent Narratives 3. Tools and Maps for Solution-Focused Brief Therapy 4. Microanalysis and Opportunities 5. Microanalysis of Opportunities: Opportunities Analysis Example One 6. Microanalysis of Opportunities: Opportunities Analysis Example Two 7. Applications: Opportunities as a Supervision Tool 8. Applications: Opportunities as a Training Tool 9. Applications: Opportunities as a Coaching Tool 10. It's your turn