01/06/2025, 18:05 Popup Window
Problem Solving
Select the Printer icon to send the document to your printer or save it as a PDF . PRINT
Making the substantial lifestyle changes needed for recovery involves finding solutions for
many problems. Some clients may have so many problems that even minor things seem
overwhelming. For example, a straightforward goal like going to a job service center to
meet a counselor and signing up for assistance may require solving a number of problems:
the client may not have readily available transportation, childcare may be needed, or the
only available appointments may conflict with other important activities.
For many clients, their drug use has resulted in either avoidance of such problems (simply
skipping the job service center appointment) or making impulsive decisions that are not in
their best interest ("This is not going to work. I am never going to get a job, so I might as
well start using again."). Such poor problem-solving behavior usually results in negative
consequences that increase the severity of existing problems or create additional
problems.
Fortunately, clients can learn to be effective problem solvers. Counselors can teach clients
a six-step, problem-solving process. Timing is important, however. Teaching problem-
solving works best when the client is in the action stage of change and motivated to learn
it and is not impaired (e.g., not actively using substances, not in withdrawal, and does not
have significant cognitive impairment).
Problems vary in degree of difficulty and importance, and the time and effort put into
problem-solving will vary accordingly. However, the process of problem-solving is much the
same no matter what the problem is.
Step one in the problem-solving model is to let the client know that:
Problems are normal; everyone has them;
People can learn to be better problem solvers;
Resisting the temptation either to respond to a first impulse (or to do nothing) is an
important first step; and
When a problem arises, it is important to stop and think before taking action.
Step two is to identify the problem.
Identifying that there is a problem is usually not too difficult–people tend to know that
there is a problem because they feel stressed and anxious. What can be a bit more difficult
is defining exactly what the problem is. If clients are unable to clearly define a problem, the
counselor can help them learn by guiding them through a process of clarifying the
situation.
For example, if a client is upset about their current job and is considering quitting, the
counselor could ask questions such as:
How is your relationship with your supervisor?
Have you received any negative feedback or evaluations?
What are your relationships like with your coworkers?
More and more detailed questions could be posed to narrow down the problem. Over time,
clients can learn to do this process themselves.
Step three is brainstorming possible solutions.
The counselor can guide clients in this step by teaching them the following about
brainstorming:
In brainstorming, it is important to come up with as many solutions as possible.
[Link] Window 1/3
01/06/2025, 18:05 Popup Window
Write them all down.
At this point, do not reject any idea or try to think of just the best idea.
Use your imagination and think of all possibilities.
Even ideas that are impractical or clearly not possible may have elements that are
useful.
Do not evaluate plausibility and "do-ability" until all ideas have been identified.
The counselor can guide clients through this process by reminding them when they seem
to be judging the options and asking the client "what else?"
Step four is evaluating and selecting a solution.
Now is the time to consider the pros and cons of each possible solution. For each idea, the
counselor can ask the client to answer the following questions:
What is the best possible thing that could happen if you choose this alternative?
What is the worst possible thing that could happen?
What is the most likely thing that will happen?
Would this be a short-term or long-term solution?
What is your reaction (thoughts, feelings, memories, and future projections) when you
think about implementing each alternative?
Are there any potential negative consequences (both now or in the near future)?
How much time will it take to carry this out?
Is it going to require money?
Does this require the cooperation of other people and, if yes, are they likely to
cooperate?
What difficulties might you face when carrying out this solution?
Which option offers the best outcomes and seems to have the best chance for
success?
The actual solution needs to be selected by the client, not the counselor. Clients are the
experts in what is the most appropriate choice for them. However, it is important that the
counselor not allow clients to undertake solutions that appear inherently dangerous (e.g.,
confronting a threatening person).
Step five is developing a plan of action.
Many solutions will have several steps. The counselor can help clients break the chosen
solution down into manageable steps and determine how and when they will carry out
each step (goal setting).
Step six is reviewing progress and evaluating the outcome.
Once a solution is chosen, the counselor should discuss the next step, evaluating its
effectiveness. This step emphasizes problem-solving as an ongoing process. It is
important that counselors help clients determine how they will know whether a solution is
effective. Determining this ahead of time helps clients be more realistic and perhaps
optimistic about finding effective solutions to problems.
To help clients evaluate a solution, the counselor can ask or suggest that they consider
questions like:
After you have given the approach a fair trial, does it seem to be working out?
Are you making progress?
Has the problem been solved?
Does the problem need to be re-evaluated?
Which parts worked best?
Would you do anything differently next time?
[Link] Window 2/3
01/06/2025, 18:05 Popup Window
If not, what could you do to beef up the plan? Or do you need to give it up and try one of
the other possible approaches? Do you have the skills to carry this out? Do you have the
necessary resources?
[Link] Window 3/3