Four questions are central to Resource-Oriented Interviewing. Every adult person has probably dealt with these questions in one way or another: 1. How do I promote resources, strengths and abilities? 2. How do I reduce or remove deficiencies? 3. How do I question goals as constructively and respectfully as possible? 4. How do I question ways and means as constructively and respectfully as possible? Resource-Oriented Interviewing gives realistic answers to these questions. It proves to be extremely pragmatic again and again. Resource-Oriented Interviewing in the form represented here has its origin in the area of help for alcohol addicts and was also applied in the sphere of psychiatric help, social integration and project management. Furthermore it can be used appropriately in many fields of working life and also in private contexts. Resource-Oriented Interviewing is the art of working in a resource activating way in a deficit-oriented context by using specific questions.
Table of Contents
Introduction: What is Resource-Oriented Interviewing?
The Principle of Feedback
Topic No. 1: The Problem and Previous Coping Strategies
The Questions
Explanation
Risks and Hazards
Topic No. 2: Exceptions to the Problem
The Questions
Explanation
Risks and Hazards
Topic No. 3: Meaning and Purpose of the Aim
The Questions
Explanation
Risks and Hazards
Topic No. 4: Hoping to Accomplish the Goal
The Questions
Explanation
Risks and Hazards
Topic No. 5: The Feasibility of the Goal
The Questions
Explanation
Risks and Hazards
Topic No. 6: Individual Steps Towards the Aim
The Questions
Explanation
Risks and Hazards
Topic No. 7: The Evaluation of the Results
The Questions
Explanation
Risks and Hazards
Closing Remark
Objectives and Topics
The work provides a structured, pragmatic framework for practitioners to shift from a deficit-oriented perspective to a resource-activating approach. It outlines a comprehensive interviewing scheme designed to support clients in problem-solving through targeted, reflective questioning.
- Shifting the professional focus from analyzing deficits to activating individual resources.
- Implementing a step-by-step problem-solving model for consultations, coaching, and therapy.
- Utilizing the "Principle of Feedback" to ensure the relevance and success of the helping process.
- Structuring the dialogue around key areas like problem history, goal definition, feasibility, and result evaluation.
- Mitigating risks associated with specific questioning techniques to maintain a constructive client-interviewer relationship.
Excerpt from the Book
Topic No. 1: The Problem and Previous Coping Strategies
At the investigation of the problem, first, it is all about finding out to what extent the problem is really a problem. The central question is: "What exactly is so problematic about the problem?" Hereby it is made sure that the right aspects of the problem are focused.
Then in the next step the client's previous coping strategies in dealing with his problem should be found out, should be appreciated and should be anchored in the client's consciousness. This can improve the client's ability to cope with his problem.
This procedure offers the chance to implicitly give recognition to the client for his resistance to the problem (or for his resilience) right at the beginning of the interview. That can have a positive impact on the atmosphere of the interview and on the working relation between client and interviewer. Furthermore the client's present difficulties might be reframed: The problem changes, based on the client's subjective experience, from a catastrophe into an extremely difficult task, which is already, however, at least partially solved, even if the previous coping strategies do not create a sufficient solution anymore.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: What is Resource-Oriented Interviewing?: This chapter establishes the foundational premise of the book, introducing the shift from deficit-focused to resource-activating dialogue across various helping professions.
The Principle of Feedback: This section details the importance of continuous collaboration and mutual adjustment during the coaching or therapy process to ensure goals and methodologies remain effective.
Topic No. 1: The Problem and Previous Coping Strategies: This chapter covers the initial investigation of the client's issues, focusing on validating existing resilience and reframing the problem as a manageable task.
Topic No. 2: Exceptions to the Problem: The focus here is on identifying and exploring moments or scenarios where the client's problems are absent or less severe to extract hidden strengths.
Topic No. 3: Meaning and Purpose of the Aim: This section explores intrinsic motivation by analyzing why a specific goal is significant to the client and how it impacts their life.
Topic No. 4: Hoping to Accomplish the Goal: This chapter examines the role of hope as a motivational factor and identifies supportive influences that strengthen the client's confidence.
Topic No. 5: The Feasibility of the Goal: This section introduces a reality-check phase, assessing external conditions and resources to ensure the client's goal is both practical and achievable.
Topic No. 6: Individual Steps Towards the Aim: This chapter guides the creation of concrete action plans, defining specific tasks, responsibilities, and timelines for reaching the desired outcome.
Topic No. 7: The Evaluation of the Results: The final topic covers the monitoring of progress and the assessment of outcomes, allowing for adjustments to the initial approach if necessary.
Closing Remark: The conclusion emphasizes that resource-oriented interviewing is primarily an attitude and highlights the importance of the practitioner applying these techniques to their own self-management.
Keywords
Resource-Oriented Interviewing, Coaching, Therapy, Counseling, Problem-Solving, Feedback, Coping Strategies, Resilience, Goal Definition, Motivation, Action Plan, Self-Management, Empowerment, Questioning Techniques, Professional Consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of the work?
The work focuses on providing a systematic, resource-activating questioning framework for practitioners to facilitate constructive problem-solving dialogues in professional helping contexts.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The themes include the identification of personal strengths, the importance of feedback loops, goal setting, intrinsic motivation, and the practical evaluation of progress in a helping relationship.
What is the main goal of the interviewing approach?
The primary goal is to empower clients by shifting the focus away from deficits and toward the activation of existing strengths and resources to achieve well-defined, feasible objectives.
Which scientific methodology is the book based on?
The book integrates methods from solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and project management to create a comprehensive scheme for professional communication.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body breaks down the interview process into seven distinct, sequential topics, ranging from initial problem exploration to the final evaluation of results.
Which keywords define this work?
Keywords include Resource-Oriented Interviewing, empowerment, problem-solving, feedback, coping strategies, and professional self-management.
Why is the "Principle of Feedback" so significant?
It is significant because it prevents the interview process from deviating from the client's actual needs, ensuring the consultation remains relevant and meaningful throughout the entire process.
What is the risk of focusing too much on an action plan?
A detailed action plan created too early can be paralyzing and lacks the flexibility needed to adapt to future changes in the client's situation.
How should a practitioner handle the frustration of a client?
The practitioner should be prepared to address the client's frustration openly, especially when reality checks reveal that certain goals may not be easily attainable.
How does this approach apply to the practitioner themselves?
The author argues that the methodology is redundant: by applying these resource-activating techniques to their own self-management, the practitioner becomes more effective when working with others.
- Quote paper
- Andreas Langosch (Author), 2013, Resource-Oriented Interviewing, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/265215
