How can you use solution-focused therapy to help clients identify their goals during mediation?

1 What is solution-focused therapy?

Solution-focused therapy (SFT) is a form of psychotherapy that originated in the 1980s and is based on the assumption that clients have the ability to solve their own problems and achieve their desired outcomes. SFT does not focus on the causes or history of the problem, but rather on the client's vision of the solution and the steps they can take to get there. SFT uses various techniques, such as scaling questions, miracle questions, exception questions, and coping questions, to help the client explore their goals, resources, and progress.

2 How can SFT help in mediation?

SFT can help in mediation by shifting the focus from the problem to the solution, from the past to the future, and from the conflict to the cooperation. SFT can help the client to clarify their goals and interests, to recognize their strengths and skills, to acknowledge their achievements and successes, and to generate ideas and options for resolving the dispute. SFT can also help the client to cope with the emotional and practical challenges of mediation, and to maintain a positive and hopeful attitude.

3 How to use SFT in mediation?

To use SFT in mediation, you need to follow some basic principles and guidelines. First, you need to establish rapport and trust with your client, and respect their autonomy and self-determination. Second, you need to ask open-ended, positive, and future-oriented questions that elicit the client's goals, resources, and progress. Third, you need to listen attentively and reflectively, and provide feedback and compliments that validate and reinforce the client's strengths and achievements. Fourth, you need to help the client to formulate a realistic and specific action plan that outlines the steps they will take to reach their goals. Fifth, you need to review and evaluate the plan with the client, and celebrate their successes and learning.

4 What are some examples of SFT questions in mediation?

Mediation can help clients identify their goals and interests and work towards a solution. To this end, you can use SFT questions to guide the process. For instance, you can ask clients what they want to achieve from mediation, how they would know if it was successful, or what they have done well in similar situations. You can also ask them to rate their current situation on a scale of 1 to 10, and what it would take for them to move one point higher. Additionally, you can ask them to imagine a miracle that solves the problem, how they coped with the problem in the past, and what options they have for resolving it. Furthermore, you can inquire about the steps needed to implement their preferred option, how they will measure progress, and what potential obstacles or challenges they might face. Finally, you can discuss the benefits or rewards they will get from achieving their goals and how they will celebrate their achievements.

5 What are some tips for using SFT in mediation?

Using SFT in mediation effectively and ethically requires flexibility and adaptability, respecting and supporting the client's views, values, and choices, being curious and optimistic, and keeping questions and feedback brief and focused. SFT is a creative and collaborative approach that is not manipulative or coercive, but rather shows genuine interest in the client's goals, resources, and progress. It is a brief and focused approach that conveys a positive and hopeful attitude towards the desired outcomes and solutions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?