In my many years of practice in communication development, psychotherapy, counseling and coaching in Hamburg Altona Ottensen and Hohwacht Plön Holstein, I have repeatedly experienced how clients become trapped in their problems, dead ends and endless rumination. In every session, they complain anew about their recurring symptoms and their apparent hopelessness, which often plunges them into helplessness, hopelessness, depression and increased anxiety.

As a solution-oriented psychologist, it is my goal to support clients in developing new perspectives and emerging strengthened from difficult situations. In the collaborative process, ways are developed through active and structured steps to find new alternatives in order to strengthen self-efficacy and personal responsibility.

Renowned colleagues in scientific learning psychology have already developed paradigms in recent decades that demonstrably strengthen self-efficacy sustainably. For example, the problem-solving training by D'Zurilla & Goldfriedor the brief therapy by Steve de Shazer.

Problem-solving training in outpatient psychotherapy and coaching: A structured approach

Introduction

Problem-solving training is a central component of outpatient psychotherapy and coaching. It aims to increase clients' problem-solving ability to help them better cope with everyday challenges. By applying a clearly structured process, clients learn to appropriately analyze and solve stress- and symptom-triggering factors that are considered problems. This strengthens their ability to respond to difficulties and increases their self-efficacy.

The problem-solving process: Stages and structure

The problem-solving process follows a logical and sequential structure that is divided into several stages. These stages enable clients to proceed systematically and shape the path from problem identification to solution.

1. General orientation At the beginning of the process, clients are taught that problems are a normal part of life and should be viewed as challenges, not as threats. The goal of this phase is to motivate clients to actively participate in problem-solving training and develop the willingness to face problems constructively.
2. Problem description In this stage, the problem is precisely described and broken down into its individual components. A detailed analysis of the situation from various perspectives helps to capture all relevant information and understand the complexity of the problem. Through this clear structuring, clients can recognize which aspects of the problem are central and which are less relevant.
3. Goal analysis The problem description is followed by analysis of desired goals. It is worked out what the target state should be and how this differs from the current actual state. Clear goal setting is crucial for designing the subsequent solution process in a targeted manner.
4. Search for solution possibilities In this phase, clients develop as many solution possibilities as possible (e.g., through brainstorming) without initially evaluating them. The goal is to be creative and consider different approaches. Sometimes the best solution emerges from combining several ideas.
5. Evaluation and decision After several solution possibilities have been collected, these are evaluated regarding their short-term and long-term consequences. It is weighed which solution best achieves the set goals and how likely their success is. Clients choose the most promising solution for them by considering the advantages and disadvantages of individual alternatives.
6. Creation of an action plan Based on the chosen solution, a detailed action plan is created. This plan provides clients with a clear structure outlining which steps must be taken to solve the problem. The plan should be concrete and implementable to increase the probability of success.
7. Application and implementation In this stage, clients put the developed action plan into practice. The implementation of the chosen solution is a crucial step where theoretical planning meets reality. Here it becomes apparent whether the solution is actually suitable for managing the problem.
8. Success monitoring and adjustment After implementation, it is checked whether the problem was satisfactorily solved by the chosen solution. If the desired results are not achieved, it is necessary to reflect on the process and possibly repeat individual stages. This iterative approach enables clients to respond flexibly to challenges and continuously improve their problem-solving strategies.

Causes of difficulties in the problem-solving process

It can happen that clients have difficulties solving problems effectively despite this structured process. The causes for this can be diverse:

• Unclear ideas about the target state.
• Inaccurate description of the initial state, which prevents exact analysis.
• A limited repertoire of problem-solving strategies that doesn't fit the specific situation.
• Avoidance behavior that leads to necessary steps not being taken.

Summary

The problem-solving process in outpatient psychotherapy and coaching is a systematic approach that helps clients effectively cope with everyday challenges. Through the structured procedure, they learn to strengthen their problem-solving ability and sustainably increase their self-efficacy. This process provides clear orientation, from problem definition through solution finding to practical implementation and success monitoring. This supports clients in sustainably dealing with problems and seeing them as manageable challenges.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT - Solution-Focused Brief Therapy): SFBT was developed in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. Unlike many other therapeutic approaches, this method does not focus on the analysis of problems, but on the development of solutions.

Techniques for Solution Development This report describes techniques for solution development based on principles of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). These methods can be applied by individuals to effectively develop solutions for their challenges.

1. Solution-oriented thinking Individuals can promote solution-oriented thinking by:

• Asking themselves positive questions, such as "What is already going well in life?" or "When do you feel most confident?"
• Thinking future-oriented and asking: "What does life look like when the problem is solved?"

1. Recognizing exceptions This technique involves:

• Identifying situations where the problem does not occur or is less severe.
• Analyzing these exceptions: What is different in these moments?
• Developing strategies to make these positive exceptions more frequent.

1. Scaling technique In this method:

• The person ranks their situation on a scale from 1-10.
• Asks themselves: "What would have to happen to rank one point higher on the scale?"
• Uses these insights to identify concrete steps for improvement.

1. Resource activation This approach includes:

• Recognizing existing strengths, abilities, and resources.
• Considering how these can be strategically used for problem-solving.

1. Self-reinforcement Self-reinforcement can be achieved through:

• Regular positive self-feedback.
• Recognizing and acknowledging progress, even when it seems small.

1. Practical exercises This technique involves:

• Setting small, concrete tasks for daily life.
• Aligning these tasks toward implementing and practicing positive changes.

1. The miracle question This method includes:

• The imagination: "Suppose overnight a miracle happens and the problem is solved. What would you notice the next morning?"
• Using this imagination to visualize concrete goals and to work out solution details.

1. Recognizing coping strategies This involves:

• Asking oneself: "How did you manage to persevere despite these difficulties?"
• Identifying and strengthening existing coping strategies.

1. Reframing This technique involves:

• Attempting to view negative situations or characteristics in a more positive light.
• Example: "Stubbornness" can be seen as "persistence."

1. Perspective change This approach includes:

• Considering how other people would view the situation.
• The question: "What would a best friend say is being done well in this situation?"

Through the application of these techniques, individuals can actively develop and implement solutions for their challenges. The focus lies on utilizing existing resources and abilities.