What is Structured Problem Solving?

• Problem-solving approach is a brief, structured psychological intervention.
• The approach shares with other cognitive–behavioural approaches a focus on the here and now
• The approach involves an active collaboration between individual and support staff
• The individual takes an increasingly active role in the planning of approach and the implementing of activities between approach sessions
• The approach has been evaluated as an intervention lasting approximately four to six sessions

Rationale

• The individual’s symptoms are caused by their everyday problems
• If the problems can be resolved, the symptoms will improve
• Problems can be resolved using the technique of problem-solving

Goals of a Collaborative Problem-Solving approach

• For individuals to understand the link between their symptoms and their problems
• To define the individual’s current problems
• To teach a problem-solving technique that attempts to resolve problems in a structured way
• To provide individuals with a positive experience of problem-solving