Problem Solving: Practitioner Guide

Problem solving is a structured tool to help clients develop effective problem solving skills. This process is intended to help clients move from feeling overwhelmed by problems, to developing an adaptive problem solving mindset and making concrete, practical steps towards effective management of life challenges.

CLINICAL EVIDENCE BASE

The effectiveness of problem solving and problem solving therapy (PST) is supported by multiple lines of evidence, but primarily relates to depression:

  • Cuijpers et al. (2018) found PST to be an effective treatment for depression, with modest effects but comparable to other evidence-based psychotherapies.
  • PST can be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety in primary care (Zhang et al., 2013).
  • PST may be efficacious in treating medical conditions (Malouff et al., 2007).

WORKSHEET USES

When to Use

  • Treatment of low mood and depression by helping to address inactivity and counterproductive cognition (e.g., helplessness).
  • Helping clients to develop an adaptive mindset or orientation towards problems and challenges they face in life.
  • To help clients who are uncertain about how to address problems.
  • To help clients who take a maladaptive and/or unstructured approach to problems.

EMOTIPAL WORKSHEET STRUCTURE

Task (Definition) - 1 column

Define the problem

Describe the problem you want to address by recording the problem with a detailed, clear description (e.g., I am frequently late to work because I do not plan or organise my time first thing in the morning).

Task (Solution Identification) - 3 columns

Brainstorm solutions

Solution pros

Solution cons

List all potential options, regardless how practical they seem

List the potential advantages or pros of each potential option

List the potential disadvantages or problems of each potential option

Task (Implementation & evaluation) - 3 columns

Select solution

Plan & action

Evaluate outcome

Select solution to implement based on your evaluation of pros and cons for each option listed in ‘Brainstorm solutions’. Also specify a realistic ‘successful outcome’.

Plan implementation based on- What (describe the steps you will take); When (determine time or schedule for plan); Where (detail location where the plan will be actioned); Who (decide any involvement from others).

Consider success of the solution based on the ‘successful outcome’ you described. What did you learn from this experience, and what future action(s) should result from the exercise.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Common Challenges and Solutions

Vague problem definition

  • Help client to describe a problem in terms of concrete and/or observable factors, being as specific as possible on key details (e.g., frequency of a problem behaviour)

Limited solution generation

  • Brainstorm without any initial evaluation
  • List the potential solutions another person might generate (e.g., friend)

Clients dismissing potential solutions too early

  • Identify potential cognitive biases in pros/cons
  • Encourage cognitive flexibility when evaluating potential solutions (e.g., ‘What’s another way to look at this solution?’)

Barriers to implementation of selected solution

  • Identify potential barriers prior to implementation
  • Break solutions into smaller steps

Inappropriate success/outcome criteria

  • Generate concrete success criteria before implementation
  • Emphasise the importance of maximising learning, irrespective of the actual outcome

References

Note: While this guide references various studies, practitioners should verify current research as the field continues to evolve. The core principles remain well-established in the literature and clinical practice.

Cuijpers, P., de Wit, L., Kleiboer, A., Karyotaki, E., & Ebert, D. D. (2018). Problem-solving therapy for adult depression: An updated meta-analysis. European psychiatry : the journal of the Association of European Psychiatrists, 48, 27–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.11.006

Malouff, J. M., Thorsteinsson, E. B., & Schutte, N. S. (2007). The efficacy of problem solving therapy in reducing mental and physical health problems: a meta-analysis. Clinical psychology review, 27(1), 46–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2005.12.005

Zhang, A., Park, S., Sullivan, J. E., & Jing, S. (2018). The Effectiveness of Problem-Solving Therapy for Primary Care Patients' Depressive and/or Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM, 31(1), 139–150. https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2018.01.170270

Template Information Block

Problem solving is a structured approach to tackle challenges that may feel overwhelming. This worksheet guides you through a step-by-step process to address specific problems by first clearly defining the issue, then brainstorming potential solutions without immediate judgment. You'll evaluate each option's advantages and disadvantages, select the most promising solution, and create a detailed plan for implementation. After taking action, you'll assess the outcome and identify what you've learned from the experience.

This approach helps develop practical skills to manage life's challenges more effectively, reduces feelings of helplessness, and builds confidence in your ability to handle problems. Your practitioner will support you in applying these problem-solving skills to various situations, helping you develop a more adaptive mindset toward difficulties you encounter.

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