Facilitator Guide 7: Problem Solving

Use Problem Solving When:

• A person keeps coming back to the group with the same problem (they are stuck)
• A person keeps coming back to the group with multiple problems and cannot focus or break them down into manageable pieces
• When problems pile up and become unmanageable for an individual

Why Problem Solving Is Important:

• To address a problem that someone feels they have exhausted all options for solving

Do not use Problem Solving for illness-related issues over which a person has little or no control, such as side effects of medications or unresponsiveness to treatment.

Steps

1. Set up a flip chart and have black and red markers available.
2. Ask the person for permission to use the Problem Solving Process.
   1. ”_____, do you mind if we focus on your issue using a structured problem solving process?”
3. Ask the person to state the problem he or she is coping with. Expect to hear a number of different problems. Write each part of the problem down separately as a list on the easel pad.
4. Ask the person to select the single, most pressing item on the list. Make sure it is one problem, not several.
5. Get the problem worded as a problem statement and write it on the easel pad in black marker. Offer a suggested problem statement but make sure the person agrees. (e.g. “How can I _____” or “What can be done so that I can…”)
6. Ask the person for all the specific details relevant to the problem. Start with the reporter’s questions (who, what, when, where, how). You and the group will need to know everything about the problem that the person is willing to share.
7. Ask the group if they have questions about the circumstances around the problem.
   1. Tell the group, “At this time, we are only trying to understand the problem. We will move into solutions next.”
8. Ask the person about their past experiences. What solutions has he or she tried in the past? List these on a new sheet of paper. When all are listed, have the person identify which one(s) has not worked and cross them off with a marker. Leave any solution that has been somewhat successful on the list.
   1. Tell the group, “The worst way to handle a problem is to keep doing what doesn’t work.”
9. Ask the group members for specific new options. This is a brainstorm and no options should be discussed. All are valid in this process. Work together to brainstorm many options. List them on another page of the easel pad. Ask group members to make options as specific as possible.
10. Ask the person to pick a first choice option. Underline this option with a red marker.
11. Ask the person, “What if that doesn’t work?” The person then makes a second choice from the option list to use as a backup. Star this option on the list. Give the entire option list to the person to take home.

Keep control of the discussion, e.g. “Okay, now group, let me ask _____” and “Okay _____, it’s time for me to ask the group.”