Welcome to Brief Strategic Problem-Solving Group Therapy. If you're reading this book because you've decided to join a problem-solving group, congratulations! You've found the most advanced, most effective technique available. Don't worry, though: It may be advanced, but it's very easy to use, with clear guidelines and step-by-step directions.

Problem-Solving Group Therapy will help you understand your problem more clearly and learn the steps of problem solving in a safe, supportive, respectful environment You'll learn how to identify and change mistaken thinking, unmanageable feelings, urges to do things that make life more painful, self-defeating behaviors, and ways of relating that make your problems worse.

In a group run on this model, people don't get away with game playing. It's not a good place to con or manipulate people for power or sympathy. But if you're serious about solving your problems and willing to work hard and be honest-people will listen to you, take you seriously, respect you, and let you know they're on your side.

In a good group, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. When a group of people work together in harmony to reach a common goal or purpose, something special happens. A source of knowledge, courage, strength, and hope becomes available to each of the group members. This source is often called the “master mind” or group conscience. This source can be used as a powerful resource in personal problem solving.

A Group Member's Guide to Brief Strategic Problem-Solving Group Therapy