Cognitive Behavior Therapy Problem Solving Therapies PST

Problem Solving Therapy applied to Chaney Allen's case.

According to, "What is problem solving? A review of theory, research and applications",.Effective problem solving includes a set of skills that can be learned. "In the cognitive-interpersonal domain, individuals deploy skills in activities from communication, interaction, or building and maintaining relationships, to negotiation and resolving conflicts." Acquisition of these skills is complex, and if they are not learned at an early age, requires a conscious desire to grow emotionally and mentally. The following plan would involve group problem solving with several participants. It is adapted from the program defined in "Efficacy of a Problem-Solving Therapy for Depression and Suicide Potential in Adolescents and Young Adults." The goal is to focus on positive solutions, and to focus on solving one specific, problem with an attainable, reasonable solution.

Session 1: De-nition of problems: The rationale behind the problem-solving treatment is explained to the participants. Then the therapist and the patient work together to de-ne the problem -- in this case, alcohol dependence or problems that develop as a result of the dependence. The next step is to identify emotional problems. Then the therapists relate emotional symptoms to problems and de-ne the problems in behavioral terms.

Session 2: Goal setting: In this session, the task is to set goals. Goals are set in collaboration. These goals should be attainable, objective and realistic. The strengths and resources of the patient are then identified.

Session 3: Brainstorming solutions: At this session the participants brainstorm to collaboratively define solutions to deal with their addiction. The facilitators encourage participants to use each other as resources in order to generate more alternative solutions. The facilitators instruct the participants to be non-judgemental during the brainstorming process so that participants can feel free to express any ideas that come to mind.

Session 4: Decision making: During this session, participants will choose the best solution to the problem. Facilitators will instruct participants to choose a solution that they know they can employ realistically. The best solution should be applicable by the patient and should reach the goal set during the second session.

Session 5: Putting the solution plan into action: In this stage, the participant describes the specific steps she will take to put the solution into action. The facilitator uses role-playing to help the participants gain the skills they need to follow the plan.

Session 6: Assessment: During this session, participants discuss their success or area for improvement regarding the solution plan. In addition, they make any needed adjustments to the solution plan for use in the future.

This program could be employed as a cycle to solve many different problems, thereby acquiring new cognitive social skills in the process.

Using this method for Chaney Allen would have more pros than cons:

Pros:

Using a group therapy session provides participants with a community of people with similar experiences who can relate to their problems.

Using this process focuses on positive solutions and helps participants to visualize their future without alcohol.

These sessions progress step-by-step so that participants are not overwhelmed.

Although participants focus on their own specific solution, they gain a process that they can use again and again.

Participants gain important skills for solving problems that they can potentially use in other contexts.

Cons:

Some individuals may not have the social skills needed to interact in the manner necessary to collaborate.

Participants have to be at a stage in which they are already fully committed to overcoming addition so that they can objectively analyze their situations, and brainstorm effectively.