Applying solution focused brief therapy to the nursing of a depressive patient with negative thinking

: This case report is intended to share the nursing experience of applying solution focused brief therapy to a depressive patient with negative thinking. From February 7th to March 20, 2006, the authors collected data using observation, direct nursing care, interviews, scales, and holistic nursing assessments. Data analysis revealed the patient's problems to be feelings of hopelessness, low long-term esteem, potential violence toward self, social interaction disturbance, and sleep disturbance. A communication strategy based on solution focused brief therapy was used during the nursing process in order to lead the patient toward positive thinking, behavioral change and ultimately problem solving. The strategy included use of positive initialization, building conversations, setting goals, seeking exceptions, making presumptions, and giving compliments. As a result of the intervention, the patient presented no self-harming behavior during his stay in hospital, while his depressive mood, interpersonal relationships, and low esteem all improved. The article concludes, therefore, that using solution focused brief therapy in the nursing process is an effective strategy for improving depressive patients' negative thinking.