Solution-Focused Groupwork

`Solution-Focused Groupwork (2001) was a major contribution to the literature
on groupwork. It has been one of this author's most influential books. The
Second Edition contains much new material including the uses of 'problem
talk', an activity normally avoided by solution-focused therapists.
Preparation for groups, client motivation and collaboration are all explored
in detail. The role of (or necessity for?) social time to be built into the
therapy model is an interesting and novel idea. Suggestions are made for
client evaluation and for creative exercises to enhance the group process. All
in all, the result is a valuable and readable new edition' - Dr Alasdair J
Macdonald

`Enlightening, clearly written, and helpfully presented...The book echoes what
Solution-Focused Groupwork is all about - being practical and optimistic about
human potential' - David Jaques, Author of Learning in Groups

`A fund of practical wisdom which will give confidence and encouragement to
everyone trying to run groups along solution-focused lines' - Bill O'Connell,
Focus on Solutions Limited, Birmingham

`John Sharry has drawn on a combination of extensive experience in running
groups and a thorough understanding of current developments to produce an
inspiring and practical guide to this powerful way of helping people to
change. I have recommended the first edition many times and have been sharing
the good news of this new edition ever since I knew it was under way' - John
Wheeler MA, UKCP Registered Family Therapist, Social Worker and Independent
Trainer.

`Sharry's book offers a persuasive alternative to traditional methods of group
practice. The new edition enhances the applicability of an already major
contribution to solution-focused practice. It is obviously written from a real
practitioner who understands the process and elements of group work. He offers
excellent case material throughout to help demonstrated the skills and values
of this approach and does so in a readable and engaging manner suitable for
students and professionals at all levels of expertise' - Professor Robert
Blundo, Ph.D., LCSW, Strengths Collaborative, Department of Social Work,
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC. U.S.A.

`This slim tautly written volume disguises an enormously practical treasure
store to help group facilitators. Solution-Focused Groupwork should be
essential reading' -

Barbara Wilson, Family Mediation in Practice

Solution-Focused Groupwork, Second Edition is a highly practical guide for all
professionals who use groups to help people. For those new to the solution-
focused 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.

Using carefully selected case studies, John Sharry takes readers through the
various stages in the therapeutic process, from getting started to the final
session.

He also provides:

" creative exercises for use in practice,

" guidance on evaluating the outcomes of group work and

" a new model for group supervision.

A real strength of the book is in showing practitioners how to create a
constructive, positive and solution-focused group culture and how to maintain
this culture in spite of the challenges, tensions and difficulties that
naturally arise within groups.

John Sharry is a Principal Social Worker in the Department of Child and Family
Psychiatry, Mater Hospital, and part-time Director of the Brief Therapy Group
(Private Practice and Consultancy).