Self help modules:
This module aims to help you explore the benefits of problem solving and how it can be applied to a range of different types of problems.
This module aims to help you explore and gain an understanding of the following:
Problem solving – the process of working through the details of a problem to reach a solution, is a skill which promotes good decision making and encourages confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Problem solving skills are necessary to resolve conflicts that arise in our everyday lives whether big or small. Having the ability to deal with problems promotes self-esteem and self-confidence.
Identify your current level of confidence (1 = no confidence; 2 = some confidence; 3 = very confident).
| The advantages of the problem solving approach and how to apply it | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Ways to avoid acting on impulse | 1 | 2 | 3 |
If you have scored yourself as 1 or 2, this module will be particularly useful for you. If you have scored yourself as very confident, there still may be some resources below that you will find useful. Complete Exercise 1 before moving on to the next module.
Here are three ways in which individuals tend to deal with problems:
Be specific, for example if you are not happy at work, think about what exactly is causing the problem, is it the hours, the commute, the type of work.
Take time to go through all the steps before you make a decision.
Don’t guess at the outcome or rely on the opinion of others.
The more solutions you come up with the more options you have! Even if they seem unrealistic it’s worth considering all the options.
In the Problem of Immediate Gratification section we introduced you to a table of costs and gains. This can be used when evaluating any decision. If the costs outweigh the gains then it can be really obvious that it is not a good decision. You also need to ask yourself if you are choosing a short term ‘fix’ (for example alcohol, drugs, sex), again re-visit the Problem of Immediate Gratification section if you need to understand why you might do this.
Hopefully this is clear having completed the costs and gains above, if not then speak to a trusted friend/family member to get a different view. If you can make a good case to them about the course of action you want to take then you are probably making a well-considered decision. It is unlikely they will support you using a short term ‘fix’ to feel better when it doesn’t address the problem!
Benjamin Franklin said that “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Put your plan into action!
If we don’t evaluate what we did and how well it worked we can end up repeating the same mistakes or thinking we have solved a problem when we haven’t. It might be that you haven’t identified the right problem in the first place; for example, if you didn’t like your work colleagues you might have to change where you work but the type of work is still the same so while you have different colleagues you actually realise it is the type of work you do that needs to change.
Problem Diary – complete the problem diary over the next 7 days. Reflect on your initial responses to the problem and how you dealt with it.
| Describe the problem- what happened? | My thoughts about the problem? | My feelings about the problem? | What did I do? | Which approach is this? Avoidant, Emotional, or Problem Solving? | What was the outcome? How did I feel afterwards? |
Sometimes things can get in the way of solving problems. We can think of these as obstacles that we need to overcome.
Sometimes overcoming obstacles involves thinking outside the box (or from a new perspective!). An easy way of practising this skill is to do a simple brainstorm, this is where you put down all your ideas relating to something without criticising or finding obstacles to them. For example:
Then you can look back and review those that might work and those that aren’t very good – some of the ideas above may not be very practical but you may have also found a new and useful way of using toothpaste! The same exercise can be used when you are looking at bigger problems:
Again review and pick the best option for you, you may have to try a few before you find one that works but that’s why it’s great to have thought of so many ideas.
Now, try a brainstorm with one of your own obstacles and see how you get on – see if the approach helps you come up with new and different ways of dealing with your problem.
Having completed this module, identify your current level of confidence in the following areas (1 = no confidence; 2 = some confidence; 3 = very confident).
| The advantages of the problem solving approach and how to apply it | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Ways to avoid acting on impulse | 1 | 2 | 3 |
If you want to discuss anything covered in this module, have struggled with working through the self-help material or just want the opportunity to work through the self-help site with a practitioner to guide you then please call the Stop It Now! Helpline for confidential support from our trained staff.
Old patterns of behaviour can be returned to, especially at times of stress. This section is all about relapse prevention – how to prevent a relapse, and if you do slip, how to pick yourself up and get building again.
People from all over the world tend to want similar things in life in order to feel happy and satisfied. When people are happy with their lives, they’re less likely to get into trouble.
Being conviction of a sexual offence has lots of significant consequences. One of the main outcomes is being involved with the police and the criminal justice system.
Problem solving – the process of working through the details of a problem to reach a solution, is a skill which promotes good decision making and encourages confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Our confidential helpline is free and available to anyone concerned about the safety of children.
Lucy Faithfull Foundation offers support and advice for parents, carers, professionals, survivors and communities. Shore is for teenagers worried about sexual behaviour.
Our helpline 0808 1000 900
2 Birch House, Harris Business Park, Hanbury Road
Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4DJ
Lucy Faithfull Foundation is a Registered Charity No. 1013025, and is a company limited by guarantee, Registered in England No. 2729957.
