Problem-Solving Therapy: The Definitive Guide

Problem Solving Therapy
The Definitive Guide

Living a healthy and balanced life is the talk of the hour. Everywhere I go these days, I am somehow always roped into a conversation about how someone is using proven tools and methods to maintain a balanced life and deal with any challenges that present in one’s life. This idea of a balanced life is beginning to seep into the minds of young people- teenagers and likewise, which is hardly surprising.

Coaching and therapy are gaining more acceptance and tools like CBT, productivity tools, GROW models, TTM, etc. are becoming household names. 

One such tool and method which has proven helpful for me and many others like me is Problem Solving Therapy. The name might seem like quite a giveaway to what the therapy entails but it is much deeper and more sophisticated than one can imagine. 

So, in this article, I am going to introduce you to the world of PST and how you can equip your arsenal with this tool to help your coaching clients like never before. 

We will look at things such as:

• What exactly is PST and how it works
• The history of PST 
• Benefits of PST 
• How coaches can use PST in their practice
• Limitations of PST

And much more! So let’s get started!

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Contents

Chapter 1
Problem Solving Therapy 101

Chapter 2
How does Problem Solving Therapy work?

Chapter 3
How to get started with Problem Solving Therapy?

Chapter 4
Planning Problem Solving Therapy sessions

Chapter 5
Limitations of Problem Solving Therapy

Chapter 1:

Problem Solving Therapy 101

Problem Solving Therapy

Problem-solving Therapy is a type of psychological treatment that teaches you how to effectively manage the negative impacts of stressful life situations. 

Such stressors can be rather severe, such as getting divorced, losing a loved one, losing a job, or being diagnosed with a chronic condition like cancer or heart disease. 

Multiple "small" occurrences, such as recurring family problems, financial challenges, constantly dealing with traffic jams, or uncomfortable relationships with coworkers or a supervisor, can all contribute to negative stress.

Problem-solving therapy may be helpful when stressful situations cause psychological problems or exacerbate existing physical issues, such as coping with cancer or difficulties adhering to a drug regimen, either alone or in combination with other techniques. 

People with more complex issues, such as "wanting to establish one's personal purpose of life," may also benefit from problem-solving therapy. 

You and your client can work together to see how problem-solving therapy can benefit them.

A wide range of issues has been documented to benefit from problem-solving therapy, including:

• Major depressive disorder 

• Generalized anxiety disorder 

• Emotional distress 

• Suicidal ideation 

• Relationship difficulties 

• Certain personality disorders

• Poor quality of life and emotional distress related to medical illness, such as cancer or diabetes 

Problem Solving Therapy can also help having a map to resolve challenges such as: 

• Making effective decisions

• Generating creative means of dealing with problems 

• Accurately identifying barriers to reaching one’s goals

In short, PST is regarded as an effective therapeutic technique because it assists people in dealing more effectively with a wide range of issues and unpleasant circumstances that arise in daily life. 

According to a large body of scientific research, damaging, stressful situations substantially contribute to physical and mental health disorders.

 Problem-solving therapy is designed to help people manage stressful life situations more successfully, reducing psychological and emotional distress and improving the quality of life of those suffering from a severe illness.

History of PST

Problem-solving Therapy was founded on a cognitive-behavioral paradigm, which can be traced back to a seminal publication issued by the American Psychological Association in 1971. Thomas D'Zurilla and Marvin Goldfried, psychologists, proposed a training programme that entailed teaching people cognitive and behavioral strategies to help them solve problems and improve their overall health.

Following that, D'Zurilla coached Art Nezu, a clinical psychology graduate student, who looked into the clinical applications of the problem-solving paradigm. D'Zurilla and Nezu worked on the development of the relational/problem-solving model of stress, which provided a framework for applying PST to a wide range of problems and populations, based on their research.

Since then, Nezu and many other clinical researchers have expanded on the earlier approach to include a broader range of issues and individuals.

The problem-solving model has undergone several changes over the years. Nonetheless, PST has evolved into a new approach known as Emotion Centered Problem Solving Therapy (ECPST) while maintaining the core principles. This revised edition includes emotions as a vital component of healing and problem-solving. 

PST will most likely continue to undertake investigations and research in areas that require more empirical validation in order to widen therapeutic treatment applications in the future.

Benefits of PST

By now, you must’ve gathered that PST is one of the best methods studied and developed to get actionable results. Now, let’s look at some of the benefits of PST. 

• Knowing which stressors cause you to experience bad feelings (e.g., sadness, anger)
• Gaining confidence in your ability to deal with challenges
• Having a methodical approach to dealing with life's issues
• Having a toolbox of solutions to the issues you confront
• Increased self-assurance in finding innovative solutions
• Knowing how to recognise which roadblocks will obstruct your progress
• Knowing how to deal with emotions when they come leads to less avoidance and more action.
• The ability to accept life's unsolvable challenges
• The ability to make good decisions.
• The cultivation of patience (realizing that not all problems have a "quick fix")

These benefits are exponentially better than many other therapies or coaching methods. The best part about PST is that it can be used solo or in conjunction with other coaching methods, making it one of the most versatile techniques. 

Now that we have understood the basics of PST let me walk you through the essential steps of PST in chapter 2.

Chapter 2:

How does Problem Solving Therapy work?