If a therapist asks a client to describe times when they are less depressed, what therapeutic perspective are they likely using?

The approach of asking a client to describe times when they are less depressed aligns closely with solution-focused therapy. This therapeutic perspective emphasizes identifying and amplifying solutions rather than concentrating on problems. By focusing on times when a client experiences less depression, the therapist is actively guiding the client to recognize their strengths, resources, and moments of well-being, which can foster hope and motivation for change. Solution-focused therapy prioritizes the client's existing capabilities and past successes as a means to construct a path forward, making it a practical and empowering approach to therapy.

In contrast, other therapeutic approaches serve different functions. For instance, narrative therapy focuses on the stories clients tell about their lives and how those narratives influence their identities. Psychodynamic therapy delves into unconscious processes and past experiences to uncover emotional struggles, while cognitive-behavioral therapy centers on identifying and altering negative thought patterns. None of these approaches specifically emphasize recognizing periods of well-being as a primary point of intervention in the same way solution-focused therapy does.