Solution focus is a relatively new approach to working with people and organisations in which the therapist (or consultant, coach, or trainer) works with the client to help them identify what is working well and what the resources are within themselves, their family or elsewhere that might be useful in moving toward their goals.  The attention in solution focus, therefore, is what is wanted, what is useful and what resources or strengths can help move in the desired direction, rather than spending time 'diagnosing' and describing what is not working.  Evidence has now shown that it is a least as effective as other forms of talking therapy and it is quicker, less time consuming and therefore more cost effective.. 

Solution focus has a natural fit with the approach taken by occupational therapists such as: working respectfully with the client; helping them identify what they want and what strengths/resources they already have; using scaling and taking small steps in the desired direction.

Solution focus was developed in the 1980s by Insoo Kim Berg and Steve De Shazer in the US when they were working with 'challenging' clients in the therapy context.  It is now being used in the US, Europe, Japan and beyond, in the business and public sector to bring about sustainable change in organisations, in team development and in the coaching one-to-one context.

 A solution focused occupational therapy practice