Kennidy Bailey,
Thank you for sharing your post with reference to SFT case studies. I can appreciate how
SFT focuses on future outcomes and centers on clients’ strengths. But I really feel like
STF should include some type of etiology in its model. I say this because what if
someone is experiencing alcoholism due to trauma from the past. By exploring their past
trauma, the client may come to understand that this trauma was not their fault and it does
not define who they are. This could lead to overcoming their addiction and provide huge
befits for their mental health. Without exploring this past trauma and only focusing on the
future, they may never overcome their demons. With that being said, I understand what
the model is trying to do by focusing on the positive aspects of the client and their future.
But I really feel like this model should be a multi-inclusive model that uses SFT with
Cognitive-behavior Therapy, which could be much more beneficial.
CV
Discuss the advantages and limitations of Solution-Focused Theory when working
with addicted populations.
Solution-Focused Theory can be a great therapeutic model to help clients change the way
they think about their substance use. One of the main advantages of this approach is the
way it can help clients comprehend the three D’s of their addiction. The three D’s refer to
Disease, Denial, and Dysfunction (Cavaiola & Smith. 2020, p. 126). I also appreciate
how this model places the client in control of their treatment (with the guidance of the
therapist of course), as well as exploring solutions they have suggested. This can help get
the client involved with their treatment plan, which can increase the success rate of the
therapeutic sessions.
I find Solution-Focused Theory is a great model to help clients outline their plans for
overcoming their addiction. But with that being said, one issue I have with this model
was its lack of focus on the etiology of the clients' disease (Hazelden Betty Ford
Foundation, 2019). Unless I am missing something it seemed this model strictly focused
on the three D’s with future planning and not on “why or how things came to be”
(Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 2019). With most disturbances in mental health, we
are first taught to understand where the problem originated from and why it has presented
This study source was downloaded by 100000898182462 from CourseHero.com on 05-06-2025 01:35:02 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/229183144/Activity-3docx/
, itself before we can outline future solutions. I find it hard to understand how clients could
overcome their addictions without addressing where the problem started and why. If it’s
not addressed at the root before outlining a solution-based plan, there is a high probability
the client may relapse. If a client is not happy about a specific aspect of their life or is
dealing with trauma from the past, this needs to be addressed and overcome first before
we can move forward. If it’s not addressed first, it will most definitely cause future
problems.
Additionally, I find this model would be hard to use with a client that was forced into
treatment. If they are not ready to confront their disease, are still in denial, and do not
believe they are dysfunctional, it would be an uphill battle trying to get them the help
they need. I feel like this model would have better success rates with individuals that
want to get clean and are ready to make a change in their lives, but perhaps not the best
model for those who have been forced into treatment.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR™).
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American
Psychological Association. (7th ed.).
Cavaiola, A. A., & Smith, M. (2020). A comprehensive guide to addiction theory and
counseling techniques. (1st ed.). Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. (2019, August 19). Solution-focused brief therapy:
Addressing the here-and-Now. https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/solution-
focused-brief-therapy
This study source was downloaded by 100000898182462 from CourseHero.com on 05-06-2025 01:35:02 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/229183144/Activity-3docx/
Thank you for sharing your post with reference to SFT case studies. I can appreciate how
SFT focuses on future outcomes and centers on clients’ strengths. But I really feel like
STF should include some type of etiology in its model. I say this because what if
someone is experiencing alcoholism due to trauma from the past. By exploring their past
trauma, the client may come to understand that this trauma was not their fault and it does
not define who they are. This could lead to overcoming their addiction and provide huge
befits for their mental health. Without exploring this past trauma and only focusing on the
future, they may never overcome their demons. With that being said, I understand what
the model is trying to do by focusing on the positive aspects of the client and their future.
But I really feel like this model should be a multi-inclusive model that uses SFT with
Cognitive-behavior Therapy, which could be much more beneficial.
CV
Discuss the advantages and limitations of Solution-Focused Theory when working
with addicted populations.
Solution-Focused Theory can be a great therapeutic model to help clients change the way
they think about their substance use. One of the main advantages of this approach is the
way it can help clients comprehend the three D’s of their addiction. The three D’s refer to
Disease, Denial, and Dysfunction (Cavaiola & Smith. 2020, p. 126). I also appreciate
how this model places the client in control of their treatment (with the guidance of the
therapist of course), as well as exploring solutions they have suggested. This can help get
the client involved with their treatment plan, which can increase the success rate of the
therapeutic sessions.
I find Solution-Focused Theory is a great model to help clients outline their plans for
overcoming their addiction. But with that being said, one issue I have with this model
was its lack of focus on the etiology of the clients' disease (Hazelden Betty Ford
Foundation, 2019). Unless I am missing something it seemed this model strictly focused
on the three D’s with future planning and not on “why or how things came to be”
(Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, 2019). With most disturbances in mental health, we
are first taught to understand where the problem originated from and why it has presented
This study source was downloaded by 100000898182462 from CourseHero.com on 05-06-2025 01:35:02 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/229183144/Activity-3docx/
, itself before we can outline future solutions. I find it hard to understand how clients could
overcome their addictions without addressing where the problem started and why. If it’s
not addressed at the root before outlining a solution-based plan, there is a high probability
the client may relapse. If a client is not happy about a specific aspect of their life or is
dealing with trauma from the past, this needs to be addressed and overcome first before
we can move forward. If it’s not addressed first, it will most definitely cause future
problems.
Additionally, I find this model would be hard to use with a client that was forced into
treatment. If they are not ready to confront their disease, are still in denial, and do not
believe they are dysfunctional, it would be an uphill battle trying to get them the help
they need. I feel like this model would have better success rates with individuals that
want to get clean and are ready to make a change in their lives, but perhaps not the best
model for those who have been forced into treatment.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR™).
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American
Psychological Association. (7th ed.).
Cavaiola, A. A., & Smith, M. (2020). A comprehensive guide to addiction theory and
counseling techniques. (1st ed.). Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. (2019, August 19). Solution-focused brief therapy:
Addressing the here-and-Now. https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/solution-
focused-brief-therapy
This study source was downloaded by 100000898182462 from CourseHero.com on 05-06-2025 01:35:02 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/229183144/Activity-3docx/
