INTRODUCTION: SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIONISM

In counseling, some folks think there's only one right way to see things. They believe in one
truth that fits everyone.

But others believe that each person has their own truth. It's like saying, "What feels true for you
might not be the same for me, and that's totally fine."

So, in simple words, it's about understanding that people see things differently, and that's okay.
It's like respecting that everyone has their own way of looking at the world.

Those who follow the old way, called Modernists

Traditional Way (Modernism):

- Belief: There's one real way to look at things.
- Example: If someone feels really sad for a long time, they might think it's not normal and seek
therapy to get back to what they consider normal.

New Way (Postmodernism):

- Belief: Everyone has their own reality, and it is formed by how they express or talk about it.
- Example: If someone sees themselves as sad, even if others don't get it, that's their truth. It's
like saying, "This is how I feel, and that's okay."

Social Constructionism (Part of Postmodernism):

- *Belief:* Truth comes from how we talk and share ideas.
- *Example:* Imagine someone says they're feeling down. In this way of thinking, that feeling is
real for them because they said it. It's not about proving if it's true or not; it's about
understanding their point of view.

**Therapist's Role (Postmodern Approach):**

- *Approach:* Therapists work more like friends, not experts.
- *Example:* Instead of telling someone what to do, the therapist helps them figure things out,
like a supportive friend. They believe understanding people's stories is more important than
using fancy techniques.

**Changing Ideas (Social Constructionism):**

- *Belief:* There's no one right way to live or see the world.
- *Example:* Different families, cultures, and societies have their own ways of doing things. It's
like saying, "What's normal for me might be different for you, and that's okay."

PICTURE NG RAINBOW
**Postmodernists, influenced by social constructionism:**
Paano nyo nakikita itong rainbow?

 it's magical, it's just science, it's a sign of good luck. The Postmodernists, influenced by
social constructionism, would respect and appreciate each friend's view. They wouldn't
argue about whose idea of the rainbow is "right." Instead, they'd celebrate the diversity
of perspectives, understanding that everyone's experience and interpretation are valid in
their own way.
Historical Glimpse of Social Constructionism

A century ago, Freud, Adler, and Jung transformed psychology. In the 21st century,
postmodernism is reshaping psychotherapy. It shifts from creating an individual self to
emphasizing socially storied lives, diversity, and collaboration in counseling. Social
constructionists question harmful cultural views and aim to deconstruct them for meaningful
change. Notable postmodern therapies include collaborative language systems, solution-
focused brief therapy, solution-oriented therapy, narrative therapy, and feminist therapy. This
chapter focuses on two significant approaches: solution-focused brief therapy and narrative
therapy. In summary, postmodernism is bringing new perspectives to psychotherapy.

SOLUTION- FOCUSED BRIEF THERAPY

- Introduction: Founders
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT):

Developed by: Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg in the early 1980s. With picture

Approach:Future-focused, goal-oriented
Future-Focused:

Explanation: SFBT looks to the future, concentrating on what clients want to achieve rather than
dwelling on the past.
Example: Instead of discussing why someone feels anxious, SFBT might ask, "What would a
future without anxiety look like for you?"

Goal-Oriented:

Explanation: SFBT is all about setting clear and achievable goals, guiding the therapeutic
process toward specific outcomes.
Example: If a client wants to improve communication in their relationships, a goal might be to
practice active listening for 10 minutes each day.

Emphasis: Strengths and resiliencies of individuals

Instead of just talking about why someone feels anxious, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
(SFBT) looks at times when they felt calm and capable. The therapist helps them figure out
what strengths and skills they used during those calm moments. The idea is to shift the focus
from the anxiety to the person's abilities and what worked well for them. This way, they can use
those strengths to make positive changes.
Focus: Exceptions to problems and conceptualized solutions
Philosophy: Optimistic, antideterministic, future-oriented
Optimistic: It believes in looking at the bright side
Antideterministic: we have the power to change and create our own paths, not just follow a fixed
fate.
Future-Oriented: . Instead of getting stuck in the past, it's focused on creating a better future.
Assumption: Clients can change quickly and create a problem-free language for a new reality
- Key Concepts
 Unique Focus of SFBT
**SFBT Key Idea: Look Forward, Find Solutions**
 Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is all about looking ahead, not dwelling on the
past. Unlike other therapies, it's interested in what you can do now and in the future, not
where your problems came from. SFBT believes that changing your actions is the best
way to make life better, no need to understand all the details of your problems. You
might talk a bit about what's bothering you now, but it's not a deep dive. Instead, you and
the therapist focus on setting goals and finding simple solutions that work for you.
 Positive Orientation
**SFBT Key Concept: Positive Focus**

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is all about being positive. It believes everyone
has the power to solve problems and make life better. Therapists in SFBT help you see
your strengths and focus on what's going well. The main idea is to boost hope and
optimism, making you believe positive changes are possible. It's like looking at the bright
side of things instead of just the problems. SFBT wants to shift your thinking from
problems to achievable goals, using words in a smart way.
 Looking for What Is Working
**SFBT Key Idea: Find What Works**

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is all about finding what's working in your life.
Unlike traditional therapy that often focuses on problems, SFBT helps you notice times
when things are going well. Therapists encourage you to replicate what works, aiming to
eliminate problems quickly. The main theme is simple: do more of what's working, and if
it's not, try something different. Through conversations that build on positive narratives,
SFBT helps deconstruct the power of problems, making space for new solutions.
 Basic Assumptions Guiding Practice
**SFBT Assumptions: Change is Possible**

In Solution-Focused Therapy (SFBT):

1. **Effective Behavior:** People can behave effectively, hindered by negative thoughts.

2. **Positive Focus:** Emphasizing positive solutions and the future makes therapy brief.

3. **Exceptions Guide Change:** Identifying times when the problem wasn't present
speeds up change.

4. **Exploring Sides:** Clients often show one side; therapists encourage exploring
more.

5. **Change Awareness:** Problems aren't constant; noticing small positive changes

leads to resolutions.

6. **Cooperation, Not Control:** Therapists cooperate; resistance diminishes.

7. **Trust in Clients:** Clients want, can, and will change under cooperative conditions.
Solutions are unique.
 Characteristics of Brief Therapy

**Key Concept: Efficiency in Brief Therapy**

emphasizing quick problem resolution and progress.

Brief therapy, often lasting three to eight sessions or just one, focuses on swift problem-solving.
Characteristics include:

1. **Quick Alliance:** Establishing a rapid therapist-client relationship.

2. **Clear Goals:** Defining specific treatment objectives.

3. **Defined Roles:** Active client involvement with an engaged therapist.

4. **Strengths Emphasis:** Highlighting client strengths.

5. **Belief in Quick Change:** Expecting immediate improvement.

6. **Here-and-Now Focus:** Concentrating on current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

7. **Pragmatic Techniques:** Using specific, integrated methods.

8. **Progress Checks:** Periodically evaluating goal achievement.

9. **Time Sensitivity:** Maximizing each session and aiming for a swift therapy conclusion.