Effectiveness of Solution Focused Family Therapy on Aggressive Children

In the article “Solution-focused family therapy with three aggressive and oppositional-acting children: an N=1 empirical study” researchers examined the efficiency of Solution Focused Family Therapy (SFFT) among families with children dealing with aggressive and oppositional behaviors. Four to Five intervention sessions took place using a multiple baseline line design, which included a treatment manual, validated and integrity measure. All three cases benefited from the SFFT, only one family requested additional therapy due to a new occurring problem. Overall results showed that this specific therapy was effective with the families at the end of their treatment and follow up.
SFFT sessions are used the view problem being developed and focus on the interaction when the problem behavior isn’t occurring. The purpose of the therapy is to help families focus on what they already do well as a family or change their interpretations of behaviors. People have all they need to solve their problems.
After reading this article and gaining more knowledge about SFFT, I would definitely use this approach when working with clients especially children and their families. I like the philosophy behind this approach and how is capitalizes on clients own

personal strengths that they may not be aware they have. I believe that instead of focusing so much on the presenting problematic behavior counselors should encourage clients to work towards the overall solution to that problem.
Many clients and families already have the resources they need to solve their presenting problem, SFFT helps them better identify. This short term approach has many benefits as it focuses on solutions instead of problems. The Theorist believes that change is occurring all the time and small changing leads to large changing throughout the intervention. Throughout the various stages of this approach counselors advise parents to encourage and praise their child when there are small changes and accomplishments. SFFT is strengths based and encourages positive thinking. This approach also involves homework and clearly defined goals which also helps counselors and family be more effective in the process.
The agency where I am currently employed and completing my practicum gives me the opportunity to work with families and children from various populations.

Most of the children have been diagnosed with ADHD, Bipolar and ODD. The families deal with a lot of issues at home and school in regards to aggressive behaviors. I am glad the I choose this article to read because it gave me a better insight on these presenting behaviors how to approach it. Engaging families in working towards solutions that will work for them can come with many challenges but overall it is beneficial. Although every family I work with will come with various issues I truly believe that SFFT is one approach that can provide useful tools to engage and work

with.