Solution-Focused Groupwork

`I found this to be an enlightening book, clearly written, helpfully presented and, dare I say it, educational. It makes many proper and relevant references to the literature, is very easy to dip into and provides a logical and purposeful progression in its organization.

Whatever context, background or approach its readers bring it will cause them to reflect, by comparison, on the many ingredients that form the recipe of groupwork. The book echoes what Solution-Focused Groupwork is all about - being practical and optimistic about human potential′ - Nurturing Potential

`In this comprehensive and well-targeted book, John Sharry manages to cover the key points relating to working with groups in a solution focused way in an easy and relaxed style. John Sharry′s experience shines through, with many examples and case studies illustrating the ideas.

Starting with the basics of SFBT, John Sharry moves on to examine the lifecycle of solution-focused groups and the key skills of managing process and helping the group stay focused on their solutions in a respectful and affirming way. The book ends with some example activities for use in groups where a creative approach to process may help the members to move forwards.

The book is well referenced and indexed, and structured to allow easy navigation for the reader. John Sharry has produced a book which will interest not only group therapists, but also anyone interested in helping groups stay on track towards solutions′ - Amazon Review

`Solution-Focused Groupwork picks up where Irving Yalom′s classic Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy (Basic Books, 1995) left off. In a thoughtful, step-by-step, and easy-to-read fashion, John Sharry integrates the best from established principles of group therapy with recent advances in brief, strength-based, resiliency-oriented treatment approaches. A "must read" for practitioners working with groups′ - Scott D Miller, Co-Founder, Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change, Chicago

`John Sharry has fluency with language that allows complexity to sit side by side with clarity and ideas to flow across the page. This is a book that must be read by anyone interested in front-line developments in solution-focused therapy ′ - Chris Iveson, Brief Therapy Practice, London

`In this comprehensive and well-targeted book, John Sharry manages to cover the key points relating to working with groups in a solution-focused way in an easy and relaxed style. John Sharry′s experience shines through, with many examples and case studies illustrating the ideas.... The book is well referenced and indexed, and structured to allow easy navigation for the reader. John Sharry has produced a book which will interest not only group therapists, but also anyone interested in helping groups stay on track towards solutions′ - The Solutions Focus

′The author has created interesting and thought-provoking arguments that provide a balanced analysis of abuse therapy, in particular Repression, Dissociation and False Memory Retrieval′ - Clare Young, The Journal of Critical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy

′Another addition to the excellent SAGE ′Brief Therapies′ series of books which provide highly practical guides for professionals seeking knowledge in the subject′ - Changes

Solution-Focused Groupwork is an innovative and highly practical guide for all professionals who use groups to help people. For those new to the approach it provides a clear, step-by-step introduction, while for more experienced practitioners it presents ideas and techniques which can be readily integrated into existing practice.

John Sharry examines the therapeutic factors which characterize solution- focused groupwork and which contribute to its effectiveness. Using carefully selected case studies and examples, he takes the reader through the various stages in the therapeutic process, from getting started to the final session. The book also provides creative exercises for use in practice and guidance on evaluating the outcomes of group work and how to tackle difficulties which arise.

Solution-Focused Groupwork is ideal for individual study and for use on courses in a wide range of fields, including counselling, social work, therapy and nursing.

John Sharry is Principal Social Worker in the Department of Child and Family Psychiatry at Mater Hospital, Dublin. He is also the author of Solution-Focused Groupwork (SAGE, 2001).