Chapter 3 - Problem-Free Talk

            Chapter 3 focused on the concept of problem-free talk as another solution-focused technique that is used by counselors in order to establish rapport with their clients during a counseling session.  This technique is used to engage clients in a discussion about the positives in life. This can help the client to become at ease during a counseling session, as well as help the counselor get to know the client in order to identify strengths and resources that can be useful in the future.  The book describes counseling session in which a rocky relationship between Jaylen and her mother exists.  At the beginning of the session, the counselor engages the pair in “problem-free talk” and asks them what has been happening in their lives during the week.

            Problem-free talk can be useful in finding out information about client strengths and abilities that may be useful to the client.  It can be used at the beginning of a counseling session to put clients at ease or it can be used during a session in order to “take a break” from a stressful situation.  However, the counselor must be careful when using it in the middle of a session so as not to seem uncaring to the client.

            I think problem-free talk is incredibly useful for a counselor in establishing a rapport with the client at the beginning of a session and throughout the counseling process.