Becoming a Solution Detective: A Strengths-Based Guide to Brief Therapy

Becoming a Solution Detective is a practical, how-to guide for therapists, counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, and other professionals who are interested in making their practice solution-focused-quickly and effectively. The authors, co-founders of the Brief Therapy Group in Dublin, Ireland, demystify the process of psychotherapy, making the concept of solution-based therapy accessible and relevant through case examples, practice exercises, and role-plays. The book's hands-on approach allows practitioners to adopt the authors' simple, self-teaching style and apply it to their work with clients. Becoming a Solution Detective includes practical information on the differences between the solution-based approach and traditional therapy; establishing a successful therapeutic alliance with clients; determining detailed, meaningful goals for the client; mapping the client's journey to a solution; possible "dead ends" in applying this type of therapy; and much more.

John Sharry, DPsych, is a family and child psychotherapist and works part-time as Principal Social Worker for the Mater Hospital and as a Director of the Parents Plus Charity. He co-founded the Brief Therapy Group in Dublin, Ireland, in 1998 with Brendan Madden and Melissa Darmody. Brendan Madden, MA, is a psychologist with over 20 years experience in the behavioral healthcare and employee assistance sectors. He is Chief Executive of Relationships Ireland, a not-for-profit counseling agency. Melissa Darmody, DPsych, is a counseling psychologist whose current role is Clinical Director of Towards Healing, the Catholic Church service for adult survivors of abuse in Ireland. She also has a successful clinical practice in supervision and training.