Solution-Focused Case Management

“Blundo and Simon have successfully outlined how a solution-focused

perspective can be a powerful tool for case managers. Their understanding and presentation is based upon practice scenarios that are real and applied…They clearly demonstrate the impact of ‘thinking and language’ and the importance of building a collaborative relationship

with clients. Their work challenges the traditional theory-driven interventions that focus on problems and arrive at a diagnosis
. They encourage a ‘shift’ to a co-constructive partnership that requires a practitioner to respect

that clients are ‘experts of their own lives’…They provide a clear step-wise discussion of techniques and strategies that can be employed working with
individuals and families in case management

settings. This book is a must read.”



-Lawrence T. Force, PhD. LCSW-R

Professor of Psychology, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY

From the Foreword

Solution-focused practice is a paradigm that stresses client abilities, strengths, and individual goals rather than disability. Written by a team of educator/practitioners noted for their expertise in solution-focused therapy, this “how-to” text for social work, counseling, and psychology students
guides current and future case managers in learning this strengths-based, collaborative approach to case management. It discusses both the philosophical
basis for solution-focused casework and demonstrates how it is ideally suited for the case management process. The book is based on teaching materials the authors have developed and used in their classes and workshops with undergraduate and graduate students and professionals.

The text incorporates new research and theoretical developments in solution-focused therapy as well as actual practice scenarios demonstrating the process
of building a collaborative relationship with individual clients and families. Replete with strategies and tools for practicing solution-focused case
management, the text describes such essential skills as identifying goals, monitoring progress, working with other agencies, and transitioning out of treatment. It discusses issues related to ethical practice and presents strategies for self-care. Additionally, the book addresses diversity and social
justice and their relationships to solution-focused practice. Student exercises help to reinforce knowledge. The text will assist case managers in a
variety of settings—hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, community-based mental health agencies, schools, prisons, court systems, and  shelters for the homeless and victims of domestic violence—to partner with their clients towards finding strengths-based and solution-focused approaches to resolving issues in a positive way.

Key Features:

Authored by noted experts in solution-focused education and practice

Facilitates a reframing of casework and case management around client strengths and resources

Provides specific case examples that allow readers to troubleshoot and apply solution-focused principles to practice

Includes student exercises throughout the book