'What Difference Will That Make?’ – Contracting More Collaboratively in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Solution-focused (SF) therapists often advise that if a client requests particular therapeutic processes then therapists should redirect the conversation towards outcomes. If the client hasn’t yet consented to SF therapeutic processes – or has requested different processes – then controlling the conversation in such a manner could be described as an act of dominance and could be counter-therapeutic. Alternatively, responding to the request would demonstrate respect. Research suggests involving clients in decisions about their therapy has clinical benefits.