Problem Solving Meta-strategy

1. Problem Solving Meta-strategy

2. 4 Characteristics of Maladaptive Problem Solvers • blame self • minimize benefits maximized loses (discounting) • believe problems insolvable • feel inadequate or incompetent

3. Six Productive Waysto Look at Problems • Part of life • Opportunity for personal growth, self-control, and self-improvement. • Things get worse if not solved • Solutions exist • They have the ability • Takes time and energy

4. 4 Problems in Solving Problems • Problem solving takes time and energy. • It is easier to avoid solving problems when you are influenced more by your feeling than by reason. • People often respond impulsively and do not take the time to think up a solution. • Problem solving requires time and energy and a delay in gratification.

5. Types of Problems • Changeable verses unchangeable • Problem-focused verses emotion-focused problems.

7. Problem Solving Overview • 1. Rationale • 2. Problem Orientation • 3. Problem Definition and Formulation • 4. Generation of Alternative Solutions • 5. Decision Making • 6. Solution Implementation and Verification

8. RATIONALE FOR PROBLEM SOLVING • Counselor explains purpose of problem-solving therapy. • Counselor provides brief overview of procedure. • Get permission

9. PROBLEM ORIENTATION • Counselor determines how the client solves problems. • Counselor describes the difference between maladaptive and facilitative problem solving. • Counselor determines what cognitive and emotional obstacles the client might have as barriers to solving the problem. • Counselor assesses the client's time, energy, and commitment to solving the problem.

10. PROBLEM DEFINITION AND FORMULATION • Counselor describes the problem-solving strategy for the client. • Counselor helps the client gather information about the problem. • Counselor determines if the client's problem is problem-focused or emotion-focused or both. • Counselor helps the client identify problem-solving goals.

11. GENERATION OF ALTERNATIVE Solutions • Counselor presents the guidelines for generating alternative solutions. • a) What. • b) Defer judgment. • c) Quantity. • d) Variety.

12. DECISION MAKING • Counselor instructs the client to screen the list of alternative solutions. • Counselor provides criteria evaluating each solution. • Counselor instructs the client to make decision and select the best solutions compatible with problem-solving goals.

13. Solution Verification and Implementation • Counselor instructs the client to carry out chosen solutions. • Counselor informs client about self-monitoring strategy.

14. Solution Verification and Implementation • Counselor instructs the client to use these criteria to assess whether the solution achieves the desired goal for solving the problem. • Problem resolved. • Emotional well-being. • Time and effort exerted. • Ratio of total benefits to total costs. • Counselor instructs the client about self-reward. • Counselor instructs the client what to do if solutions do not solve the problem.