Gale Miller
Abstract This essay represents the evolution of thinking about solu- tion focused brief therapy within the Milwaukee group in the late 1980s and early 1990s. (See also the changing language of Steve de Shazer’s books – 1982, 1985, 1988, 1991 – during this time.) This essay is one take on a solu- tion focused interactional view of therapy, a view that emphasises the collaborative building of solutions. Wittgen- stein’s (1958) concept of language games is central to this discussion, as it continues to be today. The strong focus on goals in this essay is, however, not so emphasised in contem- porary SF brief therapy conversations. While explicit goal-setting remains an option in SF brief therapy sessions, goal-setting is now recognised as an implicit aspect of conversations about the future.
Yasuteru Aoki
Abstract Solution Focus Consulting Inc. (Japan) was asked to help Canon FineTech Inc. change their workplace climate and become more innovative by encouraging more lively commu- nication among the workers. CFT manufactures printing devices for copying machines and other industrial machines. They have 1600 employees and 5 sites in and outside Japan. They had tried some change work with a problem-focused approach in the previous year but in vain. SFC conducted a four month long SF Workplace Climate Change Project at one of their smaller sites (160 people). The project included surveys, training seminars and follow-up meetings. At the end of the 4 months, the survey showed 60% of the employees noticed positive changes in their workplace communication. After confirming the effect of the project, CFT is now contin- uing the project using their own resources and with as little help as possible from consultants.