An Overview of Problem-Solving Therapy

An Overview of Problem-Solving Therapy Psychotherapy Print An Overview of Problem-Solving Therapy By Arlin Cuncic Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder and 7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety. Learn about our editorial policy Arlin Cuncic Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on September 10, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on September 10, 2019 Getty / Laflor More in Psychotherapy Online Therapy In This Article Table of Contents Expand History Types of Problems Treated Therapy Framework Format Benefits Research on Problem Solving Therapy Problem-solving therapy is a form of therapy involves providing patients with tools to identify and solve problems that arise from life stressors, both big and small, to improve overall quality of life and reduce the negative impact of psychological and physical illness. History of Problem Solving Therapy Problem-solving therapy was first developed in Great Britain in the primary care context. It was designed to be an evidence-based treatment that doctors could use in their practices with their patients. Types of Problems Treated The primary use of problem-solving therapy is to address issues related to life stress and finding solutions to concrete issues. Thus, problem solving therapy can be applied to life problems that are typically associated with various psychological and physiological symptoms. When Problem Solving Therapy Is Advised Problem-solving therapy is advised for the following issues: common mental health issuesmanaging stressful life eventsdealing with the aftermath of a divorcecoping with the loss of a loved onestruggling after job lossstress related to a cancer diagnosisproblems associated with heart diseasestress due to the accumulation of minor life issues (e.g., long commutes, stressful job)struggles due to family problemsfinancial difficultiesproblems with relationshipsdesire to find more personal meaning in your lifecoping with everyday life stressorsbasic psychological and emotional issuesproblems that result from a medical illnessmental health issues resulting from life stressorsanxiety-related issuesproblems with self-harmfeeling unhappy in your work or in your homefor managing specific symptoms of depressionto address concrete problems in your life Your doctor or mental health professional will be able to advise whether problem-solving therapy could be helpful for your particular issue. In general, if you are struggling with real-life concrete problems that you feel you are having trouble finding solutions for, problem-solving therapy could be helpful for you. Whats the Difference Between a Counselor and a Psychotherapist? Therapy Framework In order to grasp how problem-solving therapy works, its helpful first to describe the framework or background to the therapy. Problem-solving therapy is based on a model of stress and well-being that takes into account the importance of real-life problem-solving. In other words, the key to managing the impact of stressful life events in terms of later problems with mental health is to know how to solve problems as they arise. There are two major components that make up the problem-solving therapy framework: Applying the problem-solving orientation to your life and using problem-solving skills. Applying the Problem Solving Orientation When you experience problem-solving therapy, you will learn how to apply the approach to all areas of your life. This means that you will start to see problems as challenges to be solved instead of insurmountable obstacles. It also means that you will recognize the time and systematic action that is required to engage in effective problem-solving techniques. For example, if you are living with depression or a medical illness, and struggling to eat healthy meals each day, you would see this as a problem that can be solved through a systematic plan that you take the time to implement. Using Problem Solving Skills The second component of problem-solving therapy is learning how to use problem-solving skills. This involves knowing how to identify the problem, defining it in a way that is helpful, trying to understand the problem in a deeper way, setting goals related to the problem, generating alternative creative solutions, choosing the best course of action, implementing the choice you have made, and evaluating the outcome to determine next steps. To break it down more specifically, problem-solving therapy uses a four-pronged approach: Problem definition and formulation: This step involves identifying the real-life problem that needs to be solved and formulating it in a way that allows for the generation of potential solutions. Generation of alternative solutions: This stage involves generating various potential solutions to the problem at hand in order to creatively address the life stressor in ways that you may not have previously considered. Decision-making strategies: This stage involves discussing different strategies for making decisions as well as identifying obstacles that may get in the way of solving the problem at hand. Solution implementation and verification: This stage involves implementing a chosen solution and then verifying whether it was effective in addressing the problem. Format of Problem Solving Therapy What is the format of problem-solving therapy? Lets take a look at the different features that it involves. Problem-solving therapy... takes place over anywhere from 6 to 16 sessionsinvolves sessions that can be anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours longtakes place through a collaborative process between therapist and patientis a type of cognitive behavioral therapy interventioncan take place one-on-one or in a group formatinvolves homework assignmentsinvolves psychoeducationcan be combined with other treatment approachesinvolves the development of personal empowerment of the patientcan be administered by a doctor or mental health professionalfocuses on developing an action planhelps you through the step-by-step details of how to solve life problemsfocuses on real-life problems that you are experiencing at the momentinvolves a series of stages of psychotherapy Problem-solving therapy is all about training you to become adaptive in your life so that you can develop a problem-solving attitude and the specific skills required to execute strategies in your life right now. Problem-solving therapy is also very practical in its approach and is only concerned with the present, rather than delving into your past. Benefits of Problem Solving Therapy What types of skills are developed during problem-solving therapy? Below are just some of the advantages that this type of therapy offers: The ability to make effective decisionsIncreased confidence to find creative solutionsKnowing how to identify which barriers will impede your progressBeing able to identify which stressors trigger your negative emotions (e.g., sadness, anger)Knowing how to manage these emotions when they ariseConfidence that you can handle problems that you faceThe ability to accept life problems that cant be solvedHaving a systematic approach on how to deal with lifes problemsReduced avoidance and increased action-takingThe development of patience (realizing that not all problems have a quick fix)Having a toolbox of strategies to solve the problems you face As you can see, there are numerous benefits to engaging in problem-solving therapy that may extend into all areas of your life. While other forms of psychotherapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy may be helpful for dealing with negative thoughts, problem-solving therapy is ideal if you are struggling with life problems and stressors and you dont feel well equipped with the necessary tools and strategies to solve your problems. Research on Problem Solving Therapy In order to understand whether problem-solving therapy might be effective for you, its helpful to consider the relevant research evidence. In general, there is research evidence supporting the use of problem-solving therapy for issues related to major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, some personality disorders, poor quality of life due to illness such as cancer or diabetes, suicidal ideation, and emotional distress. Meta-Analysis of 31 Studies In a meta-analysis of 31 studies that examined the efficacy of problem-solving therapy among 2895 participants, it was shown that problem-solving therapy was more effective than no treatment at all, treatment as usual, and attention placebo. However, it was not found to be more effective than bona fide treatments that were offered as part of the original studies. In addition, the researchers discovered that there were some factors that influence the effectiveness of problem-solving therapy. These included whether the therapy involved a component of problem orientation training and also whether there was homework assigned to participants. This suggests that the best format for problem-solving therapy will involve teaching you how to view problems as challenges to be overcome so that when you face new problems outside of therapy, you feel equipped to face them rather than avoid them. This also suggests that practical exercises, like the ones done during homework, are critical for allowing you to practice strategies so that they have a lasting impact. Meta-Analysis of Problem Solving Therapy for Depression In another meta-analysis of 21 studies using problem-solving therapy for depression, it was shown that problem-solving therapy was as effective as other psychosocial therapies and also as effective as antidepressant medication. It was also shown to be more effective than no treatment at all as well as an attention control. Once again, it was determined that problem-solving therapy was more effective when it included training in having a positive problem orientation. In other words, it was very important that when therapy was complete, you had a mindset that you would be able to solve your problems in the future. A Word From Verywell Problem-solving therapy is a specific type of psychotherapy designed to help you address problems in your life in an effective way. If you are living with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, chronic illness, or any other life stressors, problem-solving therapy could be an efficient solution to help you deal with your problems head-on rather than avoid them or feel as though you are a victim. If receiving problem-solving therapy from a doctor or mental health professional is not an option for you, you could also consider implementing it as a self-help strategy using a workbook designed to help you do just that. If youre not sure where to start, ask your doctor or another health professional for recommendations. In general, its also important to remember that problem-solving therapy is not a primary treatment for mental disorders. If you are living with the symptoms of a serious mental illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, this needs to be treated with evidence-based approaches for the particular concern. Rather, problem-solving therapy is best aimed at the person who has a mental or physical issue that is being treated separately, but who also has life issues that go along with that problem that has yet to be addressed. For example, if you cant clean your house or pay your bills because of your depression, problem-solving therapy could help. If a cancer diagnosis is interfering with your quality of life, problem-solving therapy could help. And if you just struggle in general with knowing how to approach and solve problems in your life rather than running away from them, problem-solving therapy could give you the tools you need to start creating effective solutions to your problems. If this sounds like you, problem-solving therapy could be the solution that youve been looking for. The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs