• Learn how to engage some of the most challenging clients
• Discover ways of interacting to avoid power struggles and find the heart of clients
• Understand how our mindset impacts our questions and therefore our outcomes with clients
• Help clients move beyond “white knuckling it” to a life they never before imagined 
• Learn a model that prevents burnout and secondary trauma while working with some of the most difficult clientele

So much has changed over the last several decades in the treatment of substance misuse. We have gone from the one-size-fits-all model of the 12-step recovery program to the kinder, gentler Motivational Interviewing (MI). We know that the disease model can be highly effective for some, and yet others fail to succeed when this is the only way of thinking available.  Motivational Interviewing is a wonderful tool for engaging unmotivated clients, yet not every client responds well to that model either.  Add to that the complexity of chronic mental illness, legal involvement, social issues, trauma, etc. and those struggling with substance misuse can be an incredibly challenging client group to address.  

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is an evidenced based model that is commonly taught mixed with other models (MI, CBT, Strength Based, Positive Psychology).  However, whenever two evidenced-based models are combined, it destroys the evidence base of both models.  In this workshop, we will separate out SFBT from these other models and explore what it truly is and why it is so incredibly effective with this population. This workshop is designed to target those times when nothing else works, and we will explore a different way of thinking and working with those who are struggling with substance misuse.  Hands on, practical tools and questions will be the focus.  Plan to bring cases and scenarios for live demonstrations.

Upon completion of this course, therapists and other clinical professionals will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to think from a system’s perspective and use this perspective to identify a common goal.
2. Understand how SFBT is different from the commonly used approaches for treating substance misuse and why SFBT is effective with this population.
3. Understand how SFBT views the concepts of “denial” and “resistance” and why this different view is effective with this population.
4. Understand the concept of the “not knowing stance” and the role it plays when working with substance involved clients.

Teri Pichot, LCSW, LAC, MAC has more than thirty years experience working with some of the most challenging clients including those who struggle with substance misuse, chronic mental illness, and domestic violence.  She is the founder of the Denver Center for Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and she provides inspiring and educational trainings and workshops to professionals around the world in how to use this evidenced-based approach with some of the most difficult clientele. Teri has published numerous journal articles and five books (some have been translated into Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Mandarin, and French).  Learn more about Teri and her work at www.denversolutions.com.