Question

solution-focused therapy and narrative therapy Compare and contrast the usage of each. Discuss the client populations you feel these approaches would be most effective with and why.

Answer 1

Solution focused therapy (SFBT) focuses more on the solution than the problem-the client is facing; while narrative therapy (NT) focuses more on the meaning, perception, value given to the problem by the client himself.

SFBT is a brief approach and in this, the counsellor approach each session as the last session. The main goal here is to make the client focus on the alternatives he has rather than the negative issue currently occurring in his life. Here, the counsellor focuses on the strengths of the client.

NT is a bit longer approach as the counsellor here is trying to focus on deeper meanings given to the situation by the client. The main goal here is to explore the situation in an empathetic environment and look for client's own belief systems and values. The counsellor here focuses on the cognitions of the clinet.

Both the approaches are better for the clients who are well versed, educated and can verbally define their problem. These approaches work better on the clients who have an insight into their problem and are aware that there is a problem in life which needs to get sorted.

However, SFBT would work more with clients who are not facing any major mental illness, whereas NT can work with individuals sufferring from mild stress, depression and adjustment issues.