participation in the process (Levenson & Butler, 1994; Steenbarger, 1992).
Just as importantly, brief therapists are efficient in establishing a collaborative relationship with their clients, which is built on the fundamental belief that the clients will be able to change for the better. For example, early in the therapeutic process, solution-focused therapists will help their clients re-orient their thinking towards solutions by creating the expectation that positive things have happened and will continue to happen in the future with carefully-posed questions. Clients are asked to identify positive instances in their lives, which they "want to continue to happen in the future" (Molnar & de Shazer, 1987, p. 349). Clients are also encouraged to pursue a solution-oriented perspective by conceiving of a problem-free future with the "Crystal Ball Technique" (Berg & Gallagher, 1991, p. 94). Yet, even as therapists promote their clients' adoption of the solution-oriented perspective, they are also sensitive to the clients' perspectives and goals such that the two parties possess a shared frame of reference in addressing the presenting problem (MacKenzie, 1988).
Furthermore, brief therapists maintain a consistent and clear focus on addressing the presenting problem throughout the interaction and identifying precise solutions (Hoyt, 1995). This is achieved by first generating specific and concrete goals that are practical and manageable. Then, by posing practical questions, brief therapists such as solution-focused therapists can elicit specific descriptions that are action-oriented and qu
...