Coping with Problem Solving
PROBLEM-SOLVING METHODS THAT WORK!

Got a problem? Worried? Not sure if you should be concerned about something? At TEEN TOUCH, any problem is a real problem.

Here's how to solve problems. You follow these steps if you're solving a math problem, if you're in counselling and sorting things out, or if you're trying to help a friend with a problem or talking about your own problems.

PROBLEM-SOLVING REQUIREMENT

Find someone you trust

  • A friend who'll be honest with you.
  • A family member, teacher, guidance counsellor.
  • Be your own friend-write your thoughts down.

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DEFINE THE PROBLEM

You can't do much about a problem until you know what it is. State it in simple terms-in as few words as possible.

Sometimes your feelings get in the way of identifying the problem, so clarify how you really feel about the issue. Sometimes, too, what looks like the problem isn't really the problem; it's something else. You can't identify the problem until you talk. Talking forces you to start putting things together logically.
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BRAINSTORM (IDENTIFY OPTIONS)

  • What have you tried so far? What worked? What didn't work? Why?
  • What have you not tried? Why not?
  • How did you deal with similar situations in the past?
  • Who knows about the problem? Is there anybody else you could talk to about it? Who do you know who's been through it before?
  • Brainstorm ideas. Think of all your options and write them down-even options that seem improbable or impossible.
Once you've got some options, ask yourself:
  • What would happen if I chose option #1, #2, #3, etc.?
  • What are the positive and negative sides of each option?
  • Can I live with the result, no matter what happens?
  • Is doing nothing about it also an option?
  • If I do nothing about it will it go away?
  • What's the worst thing that can happen?

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ACTION PLAN

Pick an option and put it into action. Identify the steps you're going to take to solve the problem. Be prepared to deal with the results.
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EVALUATE

Did you get the results you wanted? If not, don't worry. Figure out why it didn't work. Then you can either brainstorm new solutions or go back to your original list, pick another option and put it into action. Keep going until you get the results you want.

If you reached your goal, congratulations! You've become a problem-solver!

Remember: Problems don't get solved overnight. It may take a while, so be patient.
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