Week 6

I was interested to read Nelson’s article this week because it initially seemed to contradict some of the tenets of the solution-focused approach we are learning in our theory courses. According to Nelson and other eclectic model theorists, “interventions that are based on specific client needs and problems, rather than on the preferred strategy of the counselor, tend to lead to better outcomes” (Nelson, M., 2002, p. 416). Eclecticism does not mean throwing any strategy possible at clients, but rather, is the “judicious selection of techniques that have been empirically demonstrated to be effective for certain types of individuals with particular types of complaints” (p. 416). This is certainly a different approach than the solution-focused or bust approach we are currently using when counseling clients in our theory course. However, perhaps these theories are not really different after all as we are also learning about other theorists and being encouraged to incorporate them in our solution-focused counseling work as well. Because of this, we may actually be practicing eclecticism with the solution-focused framework serving as our underlying foundation. My thoughts were confirmed as I continued reading and learned that the initial stages of the strategy selection model is to identify clients' goals. This is also a very important element of the solution-focused approach. After identifying goals, the counselor must rule out psychopathology, such as disorders like depression, bipolar disorders, or psychosis. In assessing clients for these disorders, I think that a chart like the one depicted in Figure 1 in the article would be especially useful. The authors recommend other sources such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and articles in the Journal of Counseling and Development which may be helpful for beginning counselors to consult when making initial assessments of clients. After psychophysiological factors have been assessed, counselors must consider the complexity of clients' problems, as well as their reaction level and capacity for insight. The authors then describe various strategies which may be more appropriate for certain clients. I really liked the discussion of metaphors because these are strategies that I would like to incorporate into my own work, as the use of a well-placed metaphor has often helped me to analyze my problems or issues more effectively. Despite the strategy used, the authors emphasize that counseling must be client-focused, placing "careful attention to clients and their desires, problems, and needs" (p. 421). Nelson, M.L. (2002). An assessment-based model for counseling strategy selection. Journal of Counseling & Development, 80, 416-421.