Person-centered therapy and solution-focused brief therapy: An integration of present and future awareness.
Cepeda, Lisa M.; Davenport, Donna S.
Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, Vol 43(1), 2006, 1-12. doi: 10.1037/0033-3204.43.1.1
Abstract
The authors propose an integration of person-centered therapy, with its focus on the here and now of client awareness of self, and solution-focused therapy, with its future-oriented techniques that also raise awareness of client potentials. Although the two theories hold different assumptions regarding the therapist's role in facilitating client change, it is suggested that solution-focused techniques are often compatible for use within a person-centered approach. Further, solution-focused activities may facilitate the journey of becoming self-aware within the person-centered tradition. This article reviews the two theories, clarifying the similarities and differences. To illustrate the potential integration of the approaches, several types of solution-focused strategies are offered through a clinical example. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)