DIALOG+ applies a therapeutic process based on solution-focused therapy. This is a form of therapy that is future-focused, goal-directed, and centres on solutions, rather than on the problems of the service user. The therapy helps service users to identify exceptions to the problem and then find possible solutions that work independently of the cause of the problem.
The service user is therefore seen as the expert who knows which solutions would work best. The clinician asks the right questions to guide the service user in identifying these solutions. The service user is encouraged to think of what has worked in the past, to identify possible solutions and it is hoped that these can be applied outside of the therapy. The clinician helps service users to explore the things that work, including identifying strengths that could be drawn upon as a solution.
The therapy follows 4 basic steps:
Step 1- Understanding
Step 2- Looking forward
Step 3- Considering options
Step 4- Agreeing on actions
It is hoped that by the end of the session both the member of staff and service user have come up with specific actions or plans to increase quality of life in the individual areas.