Solution Focus: How to Transform Problems into Solutions

By Saundra L. Washington D.D.

In recognizing the limitations of traditional problem solving methods, solution focus has aided many individuals in changing their perception of problems and transforming them into solutions. Regardless of what difficulties one may be tackling, this book offers practical skills for overcoming. Filled with examples and illustrations, it addresses and explains the role of the all important “miracle” questions as well as “exceptions,” “scaling,” and “coping” questions to help identify leverage points for change. Active listening, a key solution focus skill is reviewed extensively.

In addition, readers will learn how to establish well-formed goals and understand the truth of the philosophical statement “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.” Solution Focus’ radical simplicity diverts your attention away from the often frustrating search for the causes of problems and directs it to solutions; away from your weaknesses to your strengths; away from what is going wrong, to what is going right in your life. Though it may not be a fix-all, it will certainly give you a viable alternative to outdated problem solving strategies and teaches how to put solution focused knowledge into everyday practical use. If you want to learn a new way of assisting yourself or others to deal more creatively and effectively with problems, then you are encouraged to explore Solution Focus’ simple principles and tools for positive change.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Saundra L. Washington D.D.
• Release date: Apr 23, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458029584

Saundra L. Washington D.D.

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,Christian writing in particular is an expression of my passion to educate and inspire the body of Christ. I enjoy writing (and reading) and perhaps the clue that it was to play a vital role in my future can be traced to my love of writing as a child. Actually, it was not writing but scribbling (smile). I would scribble pages and pages and go show my masterpieces to my mother for her critique. She always complimented me on how wonderful my stories were and had me interpret the meaning from time to time. But, to be honest, I never contemplated writing beyond those childhood illusions and fantasies. God does indeed work His will into the lives of those committed to Him.So now, decades later, semi-retired from pastoral responsibilities, I felt the Holy Spirit's urging to write what I otherwise would probably be orally teaching or preaching.I believe you will find my eBooks interesting, spiritually strengthening, educative, informative, motivating and encouraging as you grow in your spiritual walk.You are encouraged to view samples from each eBook to get a “feel” for content.God bless you and thank you for surveying my eBooks and perusing this profile.All glory to God!

Book preview

Solution Focus

How to Transform Problems into Solutions

Saundra L. Washington D.D.

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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Solution Focus

Copyright 2011 Saundra L. Washington

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All Rights Reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. The NIV and New International Version trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Biblica. The King James Version (KJV) is in U.S. public domain.

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Dedications

To the honor of Jehovah God from whom all blessings flow, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer and the Holy Spirit, still moving and working among men.

To the memory of the husband wife team of Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg, developers of Solution Focus techniques.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Chapter One: Introduction to Solution Focus

Chapter Two: Identifying Solution Focus Questioning Skills

Chapter Three: Establishing Well Formed Solution Goals and Exceptions.

Chapter Four: Exploring Problems and Outcomes

Chapter Five: Exceptions and Scaling

Chapter Six: Solution Focus Questions and the Strengths Perspective

Chapter Seven: Solution Focus Review

Meditation: When All is Said and Done

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Foreword

Solution Focus, How to Transform Problems into Solutions is designed for those who desire learning how to use powerful, practical and proven solution-focused strategies for helping others and yourself emerge out of the quicksand of problems quickly and effectively.

Solution Focus understands that there are some life challenges over which we have no control, but there are many more over which we do. In recognizing the limitations of traditional problem solving methods it offers practical suggestions for overcoming those problems by changing our focal point. Filled with examples and illustrations, Solution Focus, How to Transform Problems into Solutions addresses and explains the role of the all important miracle questions as well as exceptions, scaling, and coping questions to help identify leverage points for change. Active listening, a key solution focus skill is reviewed extensively.

In addition, readers will learn how to establish well-formed goals and understand the truth of the philosophical statement if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. Solution Focus’ radical simplicity diverts your attention away from the often frustrating search for the causes of problems and directs it to solutions; away from your weaknesses to your strengths; away from what is going wrong, to what is going right in your life. Though it may not be a fix-all, it will certainly give you a viable alternative to outdated problem solving strategies and teaches how to put solution focused knowledge into everyday practical use. If you want to learn a new way of assisting yourself or others to deal more creatively and effectively with problems, then you are encouraged to explore Solution Focus’ simple principles and