Problem Solving Treatment for Anxiety and Depression: A Practical Guide

Problem-solving treatment is a well researched, practical psychological intervention. The treatment is very much a here and now treatment, focusing on current difficulties and setting future goals. It does not dwell on past relationships and past mistakes. Patients are helped to gain a sense of mastery over their difficulties.There is good evidence to support the use of problem-solving in treatment of patients with depression, emotional disorders, and after episodes of deliberate self-harm. Problem-solving has been developed as a brief, feasible, psychological treatment that can be delivered by non-specialists. Much of the evidence supporting the use of problem-solving treatment has been undertaken in primary care.This definitive guide provides a 'hands-on' manual to assist potential therapists in understanding the background and rationale for problem-solving.