2012

In this article, solution-focused counseling (Guterman, 1996, 1998, 2006; Guterman & Leite, 2006; Guterman, Mecias, & Ainbinder, 2005; Rudes & Guterman, 2005) is presented as an effective treatment for eating disorders. Solution-focused counseling is a comprehensive clinical model that has been influenced by the pioneering work of Steve de Shazer (1985, 1988, 1991, 1994) and his colleagues (de Shazer et al., 1986; Molnar & de Shazer, 1987) at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We have found solution-focused counseling to be a fitting model for eating disorders because it is a strength-based approach that emphasizes clients' existing and potential resources. Solution-focused counseling offers an alternative to the prevailing problem-focused treatment approaches for eating disorders that might provoke resistance during the change process. In addition, this model is distinct from the solution-focused approach developed by de Shazer (1985, 1988, 1991, 1994) insofar as it incorporates features of primary importance to counseling, including a multicultural perspective and an eclectic approach (Guterman, 1996, 2006; Guterman & Leite, 2006; Guterman et al., 2005; Rudes & Guterman, 2005).