Solution-Oriented Therapy for Chronic and Severe Mental Illness

Bill O’Hanlon and Tim Rowan

The expanded paperback edition presents a classic statement on the concepts, methodologies, and goals of solution-oriented therapy. Recognized leaders in the solution-oriented movement, O’Hanlon and Weiner-Davis provide guidelines for clinicians in implementing solution-oriented language and explain how to avoid dead ends. New material brings the reader up-to-date on advances in this field since the book’s original publication in 1989.

Praise for Solution-Oriented Therapy:

‘This book offers a new and hopeful way to think about and intervene with those who have tough psychiatric problems or long histories of treatment. We offer an approach to therapy that emphasizes health, competence, and possibilities, instead of the traditional emphasis on pathology, deficits, and limitations. Our approach also highlights methods by which therapists can help clients mobilize and develop their own resources to solve their own problems. At the same time, what you will read here is not a Pollyanna approach; we are dealing with difficult, life-threatening, and debilitating issues and struggles.’
—Bill O’Hanlon & Tim Rowan, from the book.

‘This lively and readable book has much to offer to anyone in the field of psychotherapy. The point of view presented is both challenging and refreshing. . . . The emphasis is on aiming for rapid change and expecting it from the outset.’
— Australia and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy

‘[The authors present] a versatile and pragmatic approach which keeps the focus on solutions and strengths rather than problems and pathology. Practitioners interested in strengths, solutions, and competencies will find this volume a refreshing and valuable addition to their clinical libraries.’
—The American Journal of Family Therapy

“This book is an absolute must for every clinician who works with individuals with a diagnosis of chronic and severe mental illnes, in particular for services who have a commitment to taking the recovery model forward. The book draws on a multitutde of case studies, from scenarios that many of us who work in the field are familiair with. The reader will be amazed at how results can be achieved with individuals that specialist mental health services would have given up on long ago.”
—Clinical Psychologist

About the Authors

BILL O’HANLON, M.S., has authored or co-authored 20 books and published 43 articles or book chapters. He is a Licensed Mental Health Professional, Certified Professional Counselor, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. O’Hanlon resides in Santa Fe, NM.

TIM ROWAN, M.S.W., is a clinical social worker and is Professor of Human Services at Allegany College of Maryland. He also maintains a private practice and works as a part-time consultant/therapist for the Addictions and Mental Health Centers of the Allegany County Health Department. Rowan resides in Frostburg, MD.

ISBN: 0-393-70423-8
Winter 04
Paper, 180 pages