Solution-Focused Coaching

What is Solution-Focused Coaching in Pediatric Rehabilitation?

Solution-Focused Coaching for pediatric rehabilitation (SFC-peds) is a strengths-based, relationship-centered, and goal-oriented approach to working with families and children with disabilities (Baldwin et al., 2013). 

In a solution-focused approach, your clinician will ask different kinds of questions designed to encourage you to reflect on your own ideas, strengths, values, resources, and needs to develop a plan for next steps.

Solution-focused coaching centers on finding solutions, rather than solving problems (de Shazer, 1985).
•    If something is working, don’t fix it
•    If something worked once, do more of it
•    If something does not work, try something different 

 

Key Aspects

What are the key aspects of Solution-Focused Coaching in Pediatric Rehabilitation?

Focus on client and family strengths and resources
Assumes client and family expertise and capacity

Focus on hopes for the future
Use of positive language to explore possibilities, priorities, and next steps

Focus on what is wanted
Clients, families, and clinicians work together to develop meaningful goals and plans

Focus on daily life
Client-driven change happens in everyday environments

“Solution Focused Coaching is an approach that benefits everyone. Families feel listened to, respected, and more confident moving forward.”
(Abi, SFC Coach at TVCC)

Publications

More information can be found in the following articles written in collaboration with TVCC staff:

Baldwin, P. J., King, G., Evans, J., McDougall, S., Tucker, M. A., & Servais, M. (2013). Solution-focused coaching in pediatric rehabilitation: An integrated model for practice. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 33(4), 467-483. doi:10.3109/01942638.2013.784718 

King, G., Baldwin, P., Servais, M., & Moodie, S. (2022). Solution-Focused Coaching to support clinicians’ professional development: An analysis of relational strategies and co-constructed outcomes. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 25(3), 205-216. doi:10.1080/17518423.2021.2011458 

King, G., Baldwin, P., Servais, M., Moodie, S., & Kim, J. (2020). Exploring relational dialogue in solution-focused coaching sessions: An analysis of co-construction and reflection. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 23(6), 390-401.doi:10.1080/17518423.2020.1711542 

King, G., Schwellnus, H., Servais, M., & Baldwin, P. (2019). Solution-focused coaching in pediatric rehabilitation: Investigating transformative experiences and outcomes for families. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 39(1), 16-32. doi:10.1080/01942638.2017.1379457 

Schwellnus, H., Seko, Y., King, G., Baldwin, P., & Servais, M. (2020). Solution-focused coaching in pediatric rehabilitation: Perceived therapist impact. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 40(3), 263-278. doi:10.1080/01942638.2019.1675846