Brief Strategic Model of Psychotherapy is an innovative approach to solve human problems. It has the following characteristics:

• Brief and focused (this paragraph should probably be rewritten in a way that is more simple) – intervention is focused on a concrete objectives agreed with the client. The psychologist intervenes on mechanisms that maintain the problem instead of asking “why the problem exists”, which are the causes of it. The Strategic model assumes that problem of “symptoms” persists due to the fact that solutions to overcome the problem have repeatedly been ineffective, to the point of becoming a vicious circle. Interruption of vicious circle helps to solve the problem. Psychologist helps client to help him/herself to apply the functional solutions in the shortest of time.

• Efficacy – It’s a very important element of clinical research developed in the Center of Brief Strategic Therapy in Arezzo. The goal is to produce changes that are lasting and stable, in the briefest time possible. Results of the clinical research conducted on over 10.000 cases in the last twenty years by Giorgio Nardone and his team (Nardone, Portelli, 2005) show:

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• Radical - The strategic intervention is focused on, more then overcome the problematic symptoms which brings patient, create a new, lasting equilibrium in his/her live.
• Not pharmacological - The brief strategic method don’t use the medicine, but only psychological treatment to solve the problem. The strategic psychologist collaborate with other specialists (psychiatrists, neurologists, ecc.)
• Flexible – A strategic intervention can be applied in many areas, like work, family, and school, social and relational fields.

How to solve problems according to a brief strategic approach?

To change a problematic situation, there should be a fundamental importance to understand “how the problem functions” and not “why the problem exists”. 

Have You tried to solve the problem but the situation got only worse?
How did You arrive into a "vicious circle"?.

When we have a problem, first we try to solve it by ourselves, or by asking others for help. Professional psychological support is often a last resource. After application of many potential “solutions”, the problem (symptom) still exists, meaning that our solutions were ineffective and we have to find another one.

Unfortunately, if we do not ask for help a psychologist and we still continue to apply “the old and dysfunctional” solution, we create a vicious circle. Very often the problem or “symptom” persists due to the fact that solutions have repeatedly been ineffective, to the point of becoming a vicious circle.

Like A. Einstein said:

“We need a new way of thinking to solve problems produced by old ways of thinking.”

All of us try to face problems in the best way we can. But we also know that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”. We don’t always obtain ideal results.
That’s why I invite you to search for new strategies, new ways of thinking and different ways of acting.

"Always act in the way to increase number of options"

H. von Foerster

Your first act could be to schedule an appointment with the strategic psychologist.

A Brief strategic intervention can eliminate symptoms and dysfunctional behavior, and produce changes in the way a person creates his/her own personal and interpersonal reality, guaranteeing permanent change.

1. Historical background of the Brief Strategic Approach.
2. Brief Strategic Therapy Center in Arezzo.
3. Bibliography.
4. FAQ