All problems, even substance abuse problems, have exceptions; that is, times when the problem could have happened but somehow did not - when the client could have had a drink but did not, could have driven while drunk but gave the keys to a friend, could have gotten high before breakfast but went straight to work instead. Solution-focused therapy is based on this simple idea. Berg and Reuss build solutions step by step by focusing on clients’ strengths and their strategies for past successes. Stressing solutions rather than weaknesses or problems, this team discovers and explores the ways substance abusers heal themselves.