After expressing enthusiastic agreement with Blow, Davis, and Sprenkle's (in press) call for research focused on what effective therapists do in therapy, this article dissents from two notions that serve as the foundation for these authors' ongoing advocacy of client-worldview/model-worldview matching as a privileged means of enhancing therapeutic…

The first session in brief strategic therapy is the most critical phase of treatment. More than a mere "assessment phase," the first session in a true intervention sets the stage for all subsequent therapeutic maneuvers. This article presents a supervisory observation tool, the Brief Strategic Therapy Scale-1 (BSTS-1), a fidelity measure proposed…

Intervention research for couples and families managing chronic health problems is in an early developmental stage. We reviewed randomized clinical trials of family interventions for common neurological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, which is similar to the content of previous reviews discussed later. One overriding theme…

Solution-focused therapy is proposed as a model for families coping with suicide. The nature and incidence of suicide is described along with a consideration of the effects that suicide has on families and prevailing treatment approaches. Three case examples illustrate the application. Implications are discussed pertaining to the theory, practice,…

The present study compared solution-focused group therapy (SFGT) with a traditional problem-focused treatment for level 1 substance abusers. Outcome research on the effectiveness of solution-focused group therapy is minimal, especially in treating substance abusers. In the present study, clients were measured before and after treatment to…

Steve de Shazer who, along with Insoo Kim Berg, co-founded the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approach, recently passed away. In this article we will offer a brief biographical sketch and then discuss the current state of the art of SFBT as it applies to practice, training, and research. Future directions for SFBT, such as the emergence of…

Contends that constructivist epistemology is not a new family therapy doctrine but reflects a shift from a nontraditional to a traditional use of the term "epistemology." Demonstrates how recent articulations of constructivism have resulted in some logical contradictions of earlier "epistemology" debates. Questions and…

Externalization of problems as a component of narrative therapy has been well defined by such authors as Epston and White, and Freedman and Combs. This study reflects the voices and experiences of 17 participants who engaged in an innovative externalization exercise combining sculpture and journaling over a period of 4 weeks. In an attempt to…

Responds to previous article by Duncan and Solovey which described the role of insight in strategic therapy. Disagrees with Duncan and Solovey on several levels. Asserts that "client-ascribed meaning" and what is traditionally known as insight are basically same phenomenon, acknowledging that perhaps strategic therapists have found ways…

Describes extension of strategic therapy model that enables selective application of content and techniques from both individual and family therapy approaches. Illustrates through three case examples process-oriented, constructivist rationale for eclectic strategic practice as well as a more collaborative and relationship-oriented perspective of…

Proposes use of dreamwork to evoke historical patterns or transgenerational themes. Describes new variant of dreamwork which combines aspects of both gestalt and family systems therapies. Implications of therapeutic dramatization for couple therapy are suggested. Examples are included. (Author/NB)

Comments on Haley's paper "The Effect of Long-Term Outcome Studies on the Therapy of Schizophrenia." Criticizes Haley for making gratuitous, demeaning remarks about psychiatry; concluding that schizophrenia is a psychological and social problem; recommending ineffective treatments for the psychotic phase; and recommending psychotherapy without…

The model of family functioning being presented is the product of over 20 years of research in clinical work with family units. The model uses a general systems theory approach in an attempt to describe the structure, organization, and transactional patterns of the family unit. (Author)

Responds to Duncan and Solovey's article describing the role of insight in strategic therapy. Considers the importance of self-understanding and insight into how past relationships affect the present to family therapy. Views strategic intervention as an important first step in change, asserting that it must be followed by greater…

Authors of "Strategic-Brief Therapy: An Insight-Oriented Approach?" reply to articles by Schwartz and by Slipp reviewing their original article, by clarifying their position and any misunderstandings that may arise from the reviews. The authors elaborate on their view of meaning construction and provide further explanation of case…