Problem Solving (CYP)

Problem Solving is a helpful intervention whenever clients present with difficulties, dilemmas, and conundrums, or when they experience repetitive thought such as rumination or worry. Effective problem solving is an essential life skill and this Problem Solving worksheet is designed to guide children and adolescents through steps which will help them to generate solutions to ‘stuck’ situations in their lives. It follows the qualities of effective problem solving outlined by Nezu, Nezu & D’Zurilla (2013), namely: clearly defining a problem; generation of alternative solutions; deliberative decision making; and the implementation of the chosen solution.

The therapist’s stance during problem solving should be one of collaborative curiosity. It is not for the therapist to pass judgment or to impose their preferred solution. Instead it is the clinician’s role to sit alongside clients and to help them examine the advantages and disadvantages of their options and, if the client is ‘stuck’ in rumination

1. The first step in problem solving is to help the client to identify a problem, difficulty, or dilemma which is bothering them, or about which they have been ruminating or worrying. This may involve defining the nature of the problem, identifying the individual’s goals, and identifying obstacles which prevent the individual from reaching their goals.

2. The next step is to help the client to generate a range of possible approaches to solving their problem, ideally solutions which are designed to overcome the obstacles that have already been identified. It is helpful to remind clients that at this stage their job is to think of as many potential approaches as possible, it does not matter how outlandish or unworkable they may be. Recommend that the client generate at least three potential solutions. Helpful prompts include:

• “Can you think of any ways that you could make this problem not be a problem

• Beck, A.T., Rush, A.J., Shaw, B.F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. New York: Guilford.
• Nezu, A. M., Nezu, C. M., D’Zurilla, T. J. (2013). Problem-solving therapy: a treatment manual. New York: Springer.