Task-Focused Intervention Model

Running head: Solution Brief Focused & Task Centered Models

Signature Assignment: Model Comparison
Carolina I. Alarcón
Western New Mexico University
April 24, 2016

Introduction
The purpose of this signature assignment is to analyze and compare the solution-focused brief therapy and task-centered intervention models. This signature assignment will include a description and information on how each model is used in treatment; to include the strengths and weaknesses of the two models. The reason I chose these models is because both models are considered brief therapies in the social work practice due to the short length of intervention. I wanted to better understand the main ideas, strengths, weaknesses and when these two models

are best used.
The solution-focused brief therapy and the task-centered models were developed by psychotherapists, social work practitioners and researchers with the intention of providing an effective clinical practice and to improve client services. In 1982, solution-focused brief therapy model was developed by psychotherapists Steve de Shazer and Insso K. Berg at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Wisconsin. In the mid-1960s, the task-centered model was developed by social work practitioners and researchers Laura Epstein and William J. Reid at Columbia University. Both intervention models emphasize on effective and time limited intervention (usually between 6-12 weeks), that assists the client in resolving a targeted problem.

Use of Solution Focus & Task Centered Model
The solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) model focuses on the solution of a problem and not the problem itself. In addition, it focuses on the client’s strengths and not the client’s weaknesses. The role of the practitioner is to guide the client by asking questions, then having the client differentiate between a problem and an unhappy situation to determine and focus only on the targeted problem. The practitioner then assists the client in evaluating the problem at hand and viewing it in a different perspective. In this model the client is in control of the intervention session. Jones (2014), presented on his video of solution focused brief therapy explains the intervention as “dancing with the client”, if the client moves forward, then the practitioner moves forward with the client during the intervention. The practitioner avoids any analytical labelling as it discourages the client by focusing on the “label” given, rather than the targeted problem. According to Bavelas et al (2013), SFBT is used and effective with depressed adults (p.3).
The task-centered model is a combination version of learning theory, behavior model, and problem solving method. This model is a short-term intervention of 6 to 12 weeks. The task-centered approach is a model that encourages the client to decide what they wish to improve and or to change. This model empathizes on the client’s motivation to work on the client’s problem, focusing only on the tasks the client agrees to do. This model is mainly used to improve family and interpersonal relationships, to release emotional distress, and during social transitions.

Strengths and Weaknesses
The strengths of the model solution-focused brief therapy approach are many. This model emphasizes on listening to the client, it is time limited, it uses an optimistic approach which makes the client believe that change is possible. In addition, there is less risk of dependency on the practitioner and it takes a less intrusive approach compared to other popular intervention approaches. In task-centered approach the strengths are that the sessions are controlled by the client, it also allows the client to use learned coping skills when dealing with future issues. Other strengths to this model approach are that the client believes that it can overcome any issue with the right support. In addition, the number of sessions are less and may help the client to stay committed to treatment approach.
The weaknesses of the model solution-focused brief therapy may not be appropriate approach to be used with clients that have a difficult time opening up or responding to the practitioners’ questions. A potential weakness to this approach may also be that the client may focus on the behavior and perception aspect of the problem rather the emotional. For example, with a sex offender, this approach would not be efficient if the approach is focused on the behavior of the offender and not much attention given to the emotion and solution to the problem. In addition, it may not be ideally or effective to use when the client has a crisis or the client has low self-esteem which prevents them from believing they have strengths. In the task-centered approach the potential weaknesses in that model could be that the practitioner could generalize the issue the client is experiencing. In addition, it may not be effective with clients that are overwhelmed by the issue or crisis they are facing.

Role of the Social Worker
In the Solution-focused brief therapy model, the practitioner collaborates with the client, is there for support and to assist the client in moving forward towards a resolution of the client’s problem.

In this approach the practitioner learns more from the client as which tasks are more efficient to goal accomplishment, because the client chooses the goals they wish to accomplish. As cited by Bavelas et al (2013), the process of the solution-focused brief therapy is “listen, select, and build” (p.5). Assumptions are often made in this approach; the best way to help a client is to work in collaborative relationship to discover options for coping. In addition, focusing on the past may not be helpful to the client, it may however hinder the progress of the intervention and may even create distrust in the

practitioner.

In the task-centered model, the practitioner provides a systematic approach where the client and practitioner agree to work on the client’s problem while the client agrees to do the desired tasks. In this approach, as referred by Edwards and Forbes (n.d.), the task-centered is divided in three phases. The first phase is “active listening”, where the practitioner works in conjunction with the client to identify the problems. In the second phase of this approach the practitioner jointly with the client “break down and detail the problem areas.” Once the problems have been identified, in the third phase the targeted problems are prioritized in order of importance to the client. In addition, in this phase the client may sets its goals that will demonstrate improvement towards the resolution of the problem. Also, during this phase the practitioner and client jointly decide which tasks will help the client achieve the goal of resolving their problem. The time frame is set at the initial session in collaboration with the client.

Human condition and Approach
All individuals have inherited strengths and the capacity to solve their own problems. However, with the guidance or support of a professional, the targeted problem becomes easier to overcome. In the solution-focused brief therapy, as described by Simon and Berg (n.d.), the practitioner “tends to be curious about the individual and his/her social context, resources and future visions.” The task-centered model sees the client and its problems in a perspective way in which an individual, a group or the ecological system of the client’s life may hinder or enable the resolution of a clients’ problem.

Completion
The work in both approaches, the solution-focused brief therapy and task-centered model is based on strengths perspective and goal oriented approaches. In addition, both approaches have been applied in the macro system in social work that works within the social conditions and cultural values of the practices. In solution-focused brief therapy the focus is on the solution and not so much on the problem, this helps the client to create a positive outcome and achieve its goals. Since the client is in control of the sessions, the practitioner continues to empower the client; this gives the client a positive outlook on any possible issues it may face and therefore the client makes positive behavior changes causing a positive “ripple effect”. As referred by Simon and Berg (n.d.), the client “experienced” its own empowerment and “the therapy served simply to affirm the progress that had become more and more evident” (p. 10).
In the task-centered approach the practitioner emphasizes the accomplishments made by the client. In addition, the practitioner may identify and review the problem-solving skills that the client developed during the treatment process to help the client simplify any problems they may encounter in the future.

Conclusion
The use of task-centered and solution-focused brief therapy models are good because of time limitation of the practitioner to intervene with the client, in addition it is great for the agency because it saves time and money.

However, it doesn’t really help the client because of the short length of the intervention frame (3-12 weeks), plus it doesn’t allow the client to resolve in depth problems. As mentioned by Edwards & Forbes (n.d.), task-centered approach is relevant in the social work practice. In addition, according to Simon and Berg (n.d.), “solution-focused brief therapy approach will work with clients who have had long time involvement in the mental health system.” However, there isn’t sufficient knowledge of the model to apply it with an in depth issue (problem). I believe that if such approach is going to be implemented, then the practitioner should be well trained because it’s not the same to have knowledge of the either model as understanding and applying any of the models during an intervention with a

client.

References
Bavelas, J., De Jong, P., Franklin, C., Froerer, A., Gingerich, W., Kim, J.,…Trepper, T.S. (2013). Solution Focused Therapy Treatment Manual for Working with Individuals. Solution Focused Brief Therapy Association, 2. 1-42. Retrieved from: http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrTHQ52FhtXsVUAalZXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEyNHVwMXNiBGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwMzBHZ0aWQDQjE4NzlfMQRzZWMDc3I-/RV=2/RE=1461421814/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fwww.sfbta.org%2fPDFs%2fresearchDownloads%2ffileDownloader.asp%3ffname%3dSFBT_Revised_Treatment_Manual_2013.pdf/RK=0/RS=ZKPL5ix96gqh.OWkz2OU4iv_aRc-
Edwards, R. & Forbes, R. (n.d.). Task Centered Casework. Iriss.org. Retrieved from: http://content.iriss.org.uk/taskcentered/index.html
Jones, D. (2014). Brief Introduction to Solution Focused Therapy. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bJWVR1-Ko8
Kim, J.S. (2015). Examining the Effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: A Meta-Analysis. Research on Social Work Practice, 18(2).107-116. Retrieved from: https://wnmu.instructure.com/courses/1109456/files/54073286/download?wrap=1
Simon, J.K. & Berg, I.K. (n.d). Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with Long-Term Problems. 1-11. Retrieved from: http://www.0to10.net/sflong.pdf