What is a problem, really ...?

There is a plant that grows in Victoria and also South Australia. In Victoria it is called "Patterson's Curse" because it is invasive in a troublesome way. In South Australia, a neighbouring state, the same plant is called "Salvation Jane" because in times of drought, it is the only food available for livestock. So is it a curse or a salvation?

Instead of giving in the the easy option of diagnosing a client's situation according to some theory or protocol, we can have the option of exploring with each individual client, just what specifically is the problem FOR THEM. This transforms the conversation from applying a set protocol to correct a pathological defect into a respectful co-operative search.

This search can be even more useful when we suspend OUR take on what the problem is, and maintain a curiosity about the client's individual experience.

When we ask about how is the problem specifically problematic, or what is missing for this individual at this time in their experience ... if we explore these questions, we have the opportunity, both therapist AND client, to refine our search and as a result, dramatically increase the likelihood of a resolution happening.

As my Irish ancestors say "If you don't know where you're going, you might end up in a different place".

So if we discover, with each individual client, where THEY want to go, then we're all going to be more likely to find ourselves in the "right" place - "right" for the client, that is.

Rob