Solution Focused Practice and Mental Health Crisis: Inclusive Support Towards Safety and Hope

This book provides an interdisciplinary understanding of Solution Focused Practice (SFP) and how to use the approach when working with people in mental health crisis.

The book takes a whole systems perspective, presenting SFP as a ＂common language＂ between different professional cultures and making the case for its use across all environments of mental health crisis care. The chapters explore the uniqueness of SFP, chart its history in the UK, and outline ways in which SFP can optimise client agency as well as positively impact worker wellbeing. Anonymised accounts of professional experiences are included throughout to give readers an understanding of how Solution Focused questions can change the balance of power within practice situations and provide inclusive support towards safety and hope.

This will assist a wide range of professionals involved in and working alongside the mental health system including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, psychologists, therapists, counsellors, and other support staff. We hope it will also be useful for service users.

Nick Perry is a registered social worker, an Approved Mental Health Professional, and is accredited by the UK Association for Solution Focused Practice. He has experience as an educator, supervisor, inspector and practice lead, and is a visiting lecturer at Brighton University.