Question 1

Which of the following is an example of how a solution-oriented therapist uses reflection to delimit?

Accepted Answer

Reflection to delimit involves narrowing down the focus to specific instances or events. Option D reflects on a specific event ("yesterday") and a specific feeling ("did not feel understood"), which helps to delimit the issue.

Question 2

According to solution-based therapists, strengths include the resources in a person's life. Which of the following would NOT be considered a strength?

Accepted Answer

Pathology is not considered a strength in solution-based therapy; it refers to the presence of disease or disorder, which contrasts with the focus on resources and positive aspects in a person's life that can be leveraged for therapy.

Question 3

Solution-based therapies are arguably the first and leading __________ therapies.

Accepted Answer

Solution-based therapies are considered strength-based because they focus on the client's strengths and resources to find solutions to their problems.

Question 4

In solution-oriented therapy, goals are stated in positive, observable, solution-based terms. Which of the following is NOT a good example of a solution-based goal?

Accepted Answer

All the options provided are indeed good examples of solution-oriented goals as they are stated in positive, observable, and solution-based terms, focusing on increasing desirable behaviors or outcomes.

Question 5

Steve de Shazer assessed client motivation for change using which three categories?

Accepted Answer

Steve de Shazer categorized clients into three groups based on their motivation for change: visitors, complainants, and customers. Visitors are not yet considering change, complainants see the problem but not their part in it, and customers recognize a problem and their role in addressing it.

Question 6

Solution-based therapists believe __________ cannot be avoided in therapy; however, they are not considered curative.

Accepted Answer

Solution-based therapists acknowledge that emotions cannot be avoided in therapy sessions, but they do not view the expression or discussion of emotions as directly curative in the therapeutic process. Instead, they focus on identifying solutions and strengths to address the client's concerns.

Question 7

Solution-based therapists have been in the vanguard of a larger movement within mental health that emphasizes identifying and utilizing client __________ to promote better clinical outcomes.

Accepted Answer

Solution-based therapy focuses on leveraging the client's strengths rather than concentrating on problems or deficits, aiming to promote positive outcomes by building on what the client already does well.

Question 8

Sara is a solution-oriented therapist working with Bill and Gina (parents) and their two children, Jake (15) and Madison (9). The parents say Jake is increasingly hostile and won't listen to them. They feel like their family is falling apart. Jake refuses to participate in therapy. He says his parents are the ones with the problem and he doesn't think anything is wrong. Bill and Gina want Sara to have some individual sessions with Jake, saying they can't make a difference and that she needs to "fix him." What category describes Bill and Gina's motivation for change?

Accepted Answer

Bill and Gina are categorized as Complainants because they recognize a problem (Jake's hostility and refusal to listen) but believe the responsibility for change lies with someone else (Jake or the therapist), rather than seeing it as a shared issue that requires their active participation.

Question 9

A solution-oriented therapist uses a client's description of "feeling blue" and having "a case of the crazies." This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

The therapist is paying close attention to how the client describes their feelings and experiences, which is an important aspect of solution-oriented therapy. This approach values the client's perspective and language in understanding their situation.

Question 10

A solution-oriented therapist asks a client, "Are there any times when the problem is less likely to occur or less severe? Are there places or times when the problem is not as bad?" What is the therapist looking for?

Accepted Answer

The therapist is looking for exceptions to the problem, meaning times or situations where the problem does not occur or is less severe, to help build on these positive instances to create solutions.

Question 11

At a time when most therapies focused on the past, Milton Erickson (an inspiration in solution-oriented therapy) directed his clients to focus on which time periods, often envisioning times without the problem?

Accepted Answer

Milton Erickson, a pioneer in solution-oriented therapy, emphasized focusing on the present and future, encouraging clients to envision times without their problems to facilitate change and healing.

Question 12

Which technique can best be used when asking a client to define their goals and rate their progress toward goals?

Accepted Answer

Scaling questions are specifically designed to help clients define their goals and rate their progress towards those goals by asking them to quantify their feelings, behaviors, or attitudes on a scale, typically from 0 to 10. This technique allows for a clear, measurable understanding of where the client sees themselves and how they perceive their progress.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about a visitor in therapy is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

Visitors in therapy are typically characterized by their lack of personal motivation to change; they are often in therapy due to external pressures rather than a desire to have their problems "fixed" by an expert. This choice incorrectly suggests that visitors actively seek expert solutions, which contradicts the general understanding of their stance towards therapy.

Question 14

In solution-based therapy, __________ is cultivated early in therapy to develop motivation and momentum.

Accepted Answer

In solution-based therapy, hope is cultivated early in therapy as a means to develop motivation and momentum. This approach focuses on future-oriented solutions rather than past problems, and instilling hope is crucial for engaging clients in the therapeutic process and encouraging them to envision and work towards positive outcomes.

Question 15

In solution-based therapies, what does it mean for the therapist to assume the position of a beginner's mind?

Accepted Answer

Assuming a beginner's mind in solution-based therapies means the therapist approaches each client's situation without preconceived notions or assumptions, allowing for a fresh perspective on the client's experiences.

Question 16

Contrary to common myths, talking about the __________ is one of the most important means of identifying solutions: what has worked and what has not?

Accepted Answer

Discussing the past allows for reflection on previous actions and outcomes, helping to identify effective solutions and learn from past mistakes.

Question 17

What are solution-oriented goal descriptions?

Accepted Answer

Solution-oriented goal descriptions are characterized by focusing on what the client will be doing or achieving, rather than on reducing symptoms or problems.

Question 18

When successfully delivered, what does the miracle question allow clients?

Accepted Answer

The miracle question helps clients envision a future where their current problem is resolved, allowing them to identify goals and steps to achieve that future.

Question 19

What is the key to successfully assessing strengths, no matter how dire and severe a client's situation appears?

Accepted Answer

The key to successfully assessing strengths in any client situation is maintaining an unshakable belief that all clients possess significant and meaningful strengths. This perspective allows professionals to identify and build upon these strengths, regardless of the challenges or severity of the client's situation.

Question 20

As the name suggests, solution-based therapists spend a minimal amount of time talking about __________ and instead focus on moving the client toward enacting solutions.

Accepted Answer

Solution-based therapy, also known as solution-focused therapy, emphasizes finding solutions in the present time and exploring one’s hope for the future rather than focusing on past problems or issues.

Quiz 9: Solution-Based Therapies