AN INTRODUCTION TO MENTAL HEALTH - The Nossal Institute for ...

Problem solving is a method that helps people to overcome their everyday problems in a
constructive way.
Helping people identify and manage their problems allows them to feel better about
themselves and gives them the skills to help themselves.
The aim of problem solving is not to solve people’s problems for them, rather it is to help
them to solve their own problems. 2,7,8
Steps in problem solving include:
• Identify the problem/s through a process of discussion.
• Explore the problem/s and how it/they relate to any symptoms such as excessive fear
and worry.
• Select one problem only (select a problem that has an achievable solution) and a goal
for overcoming this particular problem.
• Brainstorm possible solutions together, and once an appropriate and achievable solution
is agreed upon, help the person make a plan for carrying out the solution – one step at
a time.
• Encourage the person to try out the solution and review the outcome. Did it help?
• Tips for helping people with their problems include:
• tackle only one problem at a time
• take a break and think about other things if needed, some people like to ‘sleep on a
problem’
• create a positive mood before tackling problems, do an activity that you enjoy such
as having a laugh with a friend
• sometimes it is useful to draw a picture of the problem to help understand it
• divide the solution up into small steps.
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