THE SOLUTION OF A PROBLEM MAY BE IN ITS DEFINITION

Susan K. Bertelson, Ph.D.

(770) 668-0350

 An essential task of psychotherapy is to help our clients solve their problems. These problems may be emotional in nature, or they may be interpersonal or situational.  Whatever their nature, problems will be more or less solvable depending upon their definition.  Thus, one of the first steps in problem solving is to define problems in a way that will lead to a successful solution. 

The following are suggestions that may help define problems more effectively:

 1.  Define problems in terms of behaviors rather than disorders or personality characteristics.  For example, a problem such as "My child has ADHD” may be less solvable than “My child has difficulty focusing his attention and finishing his home work”.  The latter definition emphasizes behaviors that may be modified rather than characteristics that cannot be changed.

 2.  Define problems as behaviors that are concrete and observable.  Vague or monolithic problems are difficult to solve.  Thus, “My daughter has a bad attitude” does not give a clear picture of the problem or the desired solution, but “My daughter doesn’t answer me when I talk to her” defines the problem as well as defines the goal to be achieved.

 3.  Finally, define problems and solutions in terms of behaviors that are personally meaningful.  We are always more motivated to work on problems that affect us the most.