Research / Learnings

If they can just find the right key, they will be able to open the door and utilise solutions that have worked for them before. It is ususally the job of the counsellor or therapist to help people find just the right key, and it is the intent of this book to aid in that process.

The first part of this book consists of exercises for parents and teachers and other adults in the child's life. It is adults who have the true decision-making power, as well as a history of finding solutions, so naturally adults should take the lead in helping a child with his or her problems.

The second part of the book consists of exercises for children seven years and older, with each activity based on a principle of Solution-Oriented Therapy. Most of the exercises will require some help from an adult, but they will undoubtedly give children new ways to look at their problems.

There is no wrong way to do any of these activities. They are meant to stimulate new ways to think about the common problems of children and the roles that adults can play in helping them selve these problems. They are designed to be starting point for helping children and the people who care about them find new solutions to old problems. Open communication and support systems will keep this process going.

In this workbook, you will find a variety of forms and activities to aid the child therapist and counsellor in doing more solution-oriented work, which should speed up the therapeutic process.

Inside you will find:

• A battle plan that children can fill out with their parents to make the problem the "enemy" and help motivate change
• A self-monitoring chart for children to track who is in control of their lives - the problem or themselves
• A form for parents and teachers to help them see the importance of using solution-focused language when thinking about a child with problems
• Separate forms for children, parents, and teachers to help them see "exceptions" to the problem which will point the way to new solutions
• Separate forms for parents and teachers to help them see how they can apply solutions from the past to solve the problem at hand
• Fun activities for children to help them develop a more humorous and positive attitude towards their problem
• And much more!

Ages: 7-12

Contents:

• Part 1 - Solution Activities for Parents & Teachers
• Knowing Where to Start
• Combing Solutions
• Creating a Solution Network
• Optimistic Thinking
• Positive Time
• Planning Solutions for Yourself
• Shaping Solutions
• Part 2 - Solution Activities for Kids
• Learning New Tools
• Setting Goals
• Focusing on the Possible
• Changing Things That Keep the Problem Going
• The Team Approach to Solving a Problem
• And More!

About Author:

Dr. Lawrence E. Shapiro is considered to be on of the worlds' leading experts in short-term therapy techniques for use with children and teens. He has written more than a dozen books and developed over two dozen therapeutic games.