Book excerpt: Doing What Works in Brief Therapy: A Strategic Solution Focused Approach is both a set of procedures for the therapist and a philosophy– one that is shared with clients and one that guides the work of the therapist. This second edition continues its excellence in offering clinicians a guide to doing what works in brief therapy- for whom, and when and how to use it. Psychotherapy that follows these guidelines validates the client’s most important concerns – and it often turns out to be surprisingly brief. Author, Ellen Quick integrates strategic and solution focused therapy and includes guidelines for tailoring technique and interventions to client characteristics and preferences. With clinically rich examples throughout, this book offers applications for couples, including indications for individual or conjoint sessions. Chapter summaries highlighting key points Presents ways of eliciting what clients most want to remember Describes the "Doing What Works Group," including outcome research findings and all materials needed to run the group Addresses the relationship among the positive psychology movement and this approach and the potential for collaboration Emphasizes an acceptance-based stance and how acceptance commonly leads to change Proposes that "doing what works and changing what doesn't" can provide a transtheoretical perspective for therapists of any orientation