24/02/2024
This short quote is from our old friend, Ludwig Wittgenstein, who was instrumental in developing the Solution Focused approach.
Why is this relevant to our work?
Rather than getting bogged down in analysing inner emotional states, we emphasise observable outward changes as the criteria for progress.
Let's say your best hope from our work together is feeling better. How would you know you're "feeling better"? What is that 'outward criteria'?
You might smile more, have better sleep, better concentration, more patience, relaxed... The list is endless, and it depends on your specific context and circumstances.
We extend this then to the people around you. How would your best friend/partner/child/work bestie know you are feeling better? What would they notice as you're feeling better?
The visible behaviours show that the "inner process" of feeling better is happening. In our sessions, we don't get caught up in the invisible inner experience. We focus on the outward criteria that signal positive change.
Wittgenstein pointed out that purely private feelings lack meaning without some outward expression. SFBT applies this idea. If you want to improve an inner state, like feeling happier or less anxious, you identify the outward behaviours that will demonstrate that shift is occurring.
By paying attention to concrete, observable outcomes, the Solution Focused approach provides a straightforward roadmap for improving your life in tangible ways.
Here's an exercise for you.
How would you know you feel better tomorrow? Feel free to comment below or message me. As always, don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions or want to work with me. I'm open to new clients.
