Psychology: 11/10/22 – Problem-Based Approach
Problem-Based Approach-
o ‘A method of counselling, coaching or teaching individuals to deal with current
problems in a structured, systematic manner’ (Palmer & Woolfe, 2000)
o Effective problem solving is learned by confronting events, defining problems,
puzzling with them, experimenting, trying and searching for effective solutions’
(Combs, 1981)
Approach teaches individuals how to tackle problems scenarios in the most effective manner
No single correct answer to the problem
The better solutions are the ones that are defensible and whenever possible, supported by
existing scientific evidence (Schmidt & Wrisberg, 2000, p.16)
The Medical Model-
o ‘Stresses the importance of psychological intervention to treat various behavioural,
emotional and cognitive maladaptive reaction to stressors’
o ‘Focusses on elimination of sickness/abnormality’
Triangulated Approach
Solution-Focused Approach-
o ‘Strives to bring about resolution by helping clients identify, construct, and
implement solutions to the problem’ (Priest & Gass, 1997)
o This approach relies on clients identifying the solutions
o Assumes that the client has the skill to deal with the concers
Time is spent finding solutions to problems rather than identifying the
causes of the problems
Based off brief contact therapies
With the problem-based approach you give something to the client
o Psychological Skills Training (PST)
Problem-Based Approach-
o ‘A method of counselling, coaching or teaching individuals to deal with current
problems in a structured, systematic manner’ (Palmer & Woolfe, 2000)
o Effective problem solving is learned by confronting events, defining problems,
puzzling with them, experimenting, trying and searching for effective solutions’
(Combs, 1981)
Approach teaches individuals how to tackle problems scenarios in the most effective manner
No single correct answer to the problem
The better solutions are the ones that are defensible and whenever possible, supported by
existing scientific evidence (Schmidt & Wrisberg, 2000, p.16)
The Medical Model-
o ‘Stresses the importance of psychological intervention to treat various behavioural,
emotional and cognitive maladaptive reaction to stressors’
o ‘Focusses on elimination of sickness/abnormality’
Triangulated Approach
Solution-Focused Approach-
o ‘Strives to bring about resolution by helping clients identify, construct, and
implement solutions to the problem’ (Priest & Gass, 1997)
o This approach relies on clients identifying the solutions
o Assumes that the client has the skill to deal with the concers
Time is spent finding solutions to problems rather than identifying the
causes of the problems
Based off brief contact therapies
With the problem-based approach you give something to the client
o Psychological Skills Training (PST)
