Becoming a Solution Detective: A Strengths-Based Guide to Brief Therapy by John Sharry, Brendan Madden and Melissa Darmody 
Encouraging the reader to become a ‘solution-detective’ and to look for ‘clues’ to success in their own practice, this is a practical and accessible guide for therapists, counsellors and other professionals interested in making their practice solution- focused and effective in a short time frame.
Drawing on the insights of solution-focused therapy (SFT) and other strengths- based therapies, the book is full of case examples, exercises and role plays, designed to build on your strengths as a practitioner.
Becoming a Solution Detective is ideal for individual study and for use on courses in a wide range of fields including social work, counselling, therapy, psychology and nursing. https://vimeo.com/469965791
The three authors co-founded the Brief Therapy Group in Dublin, which is a psychotherapy, training and consultation service and the leading provider of Brief Therapy training and consultation to professionals in Ireland. Within their practice, the authors have designed basic and advanced training courses in solution-focused therapy as well as the format for a professional supervision and consultation group. This book distills the insights of their training approach into an accessible guide to practice. Routledge 2012 – 184 pages  ISBN 978-0-415-89622-1

“The authors have written a charming and very readable overview and guide to a collaborative, strengths-based approach to change. Highly recommended.” Bill O’Hanlon, Author, In Search of Solutions, Do One Thing Different, and A Guide to Possibility Land

“Wow! This is one of the most engaging and superb books on Solution-Focused Brief Therapy on the market. It has great case examples and exercises, and integrates the latest research from psychotherapy. Therapists are sure to find a plethora of practical therapeutic tools and strategies that can be put to immediate use.” Matthew D. Selekman, MSW, Author, Collaborative Brief Therapy with Children and The Self-Harming Treatment Manual

“It is not easy to write a good hands-on book about solution-focused therapy, which is precisely what the authors have managed to do. You will enjoy reading this book very much. It gives you enough ideas about the approach that you can actually start testing them in your work with clients right away.” Ben Furman, Author, Solution Talk, It’s Never Too Late to Have a Happy Childhood, Pickpockets on a Nudist Camp: The Systemic Revolution in Psychotherapy, and Solutions Stories

“Becoming a Solution Detective is a brilliant book. First of all, it is well written and so affords the pleasure any well-written book gives an interested reader. Second, it is tightly written, crisp, and to the point. Third, it addresses the serious subject of therapy with a humor and lightness that exactly reflects its regard for the immense strength and resilience that we human beings can call upon in times of distress and adversity. Anyone can pick up this book and find out what solution-focused brief therapy is all about–and enjoy themselves in the process. ‘Solution detectives’ who pick up this book will also find a generosity of spirit, for within the book are all the materials needed to teach solution-focused brief therapy. I cannot think of a better place to start out from if you want to become a solution-focused brief therapist, or to visit if you have already made the journey.”  Chris Iveson, Co-Founder, Brief Therapy Practice, London, United Kingdom

“Imagine you and your clients as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson carefully, thoughtfully, and creatively sleuthing together toward strengths and client solutions. This is what these authors delightfully dramatize as a metaphor of solution-focused work. In six simple chapters, Sharry, Madden, and Darmody capture and present the heart of the approach, and through suggested exercises provide opportunities to experience this approach firsthand. Novices will love this book for its simplicity and straightforwardness. Experienced people will relish the humor and the helpful teaching guides.”  John Walter, MSW, Co-Author, Recreating Brief Therapy: Preferences and Possibilities

“Becoming a Solution Detective is an excellent introduction to solution-focused therapy, and much more. It takes readers, step by step, through the very processes a strengths-based therapist might offer a client. Using exercises and brief case studies as well as a bit of theory and some clever cartoons, readers get the invaluable learning experience of looking at themselves through ‘solution lenses.’ Very well done!”  Michael F. Hoyt, PhD, Author, Some Stories Are Better Than Others, Brief Therapy and Managed Care, Interviews with Brief Therapy Experts, and The Present is a Gift

“Illustrated with interesting case examples, witty cartoons, and delightful literary quotes, this imaginative view of solution-focused brief therapy will appeal to beginners as well as experienced clinicians. Read and enjoy!” Yvonne Dolan, MA, Psychotherapist; Author; Trainer, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Counselling Children Adolescents and Families: A Strengths-Based Approach by John Sharry
This is an excellent textbook for all professionals who are seeking a respectful and effective way of engaging and helping children, adolescents and families. Drawing on the best in recent advances in solution-focused and resilience-oriented models of psychotherapy, the book will outline a collaborative approach to therapeutic work that builds on children and families own strengths and resources and that can establish cooperation in even the most difficult situations.
Divided into three parts, the book first takes the reader in a clear and straight- forward manner through the background and basic principles of the approach, tackling thorny professional issues such as how and when to use diagnosis. Second, the book outlines creative applications such as groupwork with children and parents, using playful and creative activities and using new but highly effective approaches such as video based feedback. The last section, considers how the strengths-based approach applies to ‘difficult’ contexts such as working with child abuse and suicidal teenagers and children. Sage Publications ISBN 9780761949510

‘John Sharry’s book is a jewel in the solution-focused literature. It is clearly and engagingly written, draws on a host of ideas from different therapeutic approaches and is packed with practical examples. There is no better book on strengths-based therapy with children and adolescents. Every team should have one’ Chris Iveson, Brief Therapy Practice, London

“The case studies are illuminating. The ideas and theories are set out in clear, readable progression. It should change practice. Wonderful.” V. Draper

“This is a valuable book, worth attention in every child and family service …I recommend this book to anyone who lives or works with families, children or teenagers.” Nurturing Potential

“Sharry has produced a rich resource from which the reader can consider the ideas, reflect upon them and integrate them into his/her own practice.” Tim Looker, Steinkopff Springer Darmstadt

“In a clear, engaging, and step-by-step fashion, John Sharry describes how therapists, social workers, and helpers of all stripes, can tap into the many assets and abilities lying in wait in today’s youth. I highly recommend it.” Scott Miller, ISTC Chicago, USA

Solution-Focused Groupwork by John Sharry
Solution-Focused Groupwork (2nd edition) is an innovative and highly practical guide for all professionals who use groups to help people. For those new to the approach it provides a clear, step-by-step introduction, while for more experienced practitioners it presents ideas and techniques which can be readily integrated into existing practice.
John Sharry examines the therapeutic factors which characterise solution focused groupwork and which contribute to its effectiveness. Using carefully selected case studies and examples, he takes the reader through the various stages in the therapeutic process, from getting started to the final session. The book also provides creative exercises for use in practice and guidance on evaluating the outcomes of group work and how to tackle difficulties which arise.
Solution-Focused Groupwork is ideal for individual study and for use on courses in a wide range of fields, including counselling, social work, therapy and nursing.

Sage Publications ISBN 978-1412929851

“A persuasive alternative to traditional methods of group practice…obviously written from a real practitioner who understands the process and elements of group work.” Prof. Robert Blundo, Ph.D., University of North Carolina

“This slim tautly written volume disguises an enormous practical treasure store to help group facilitators. Solution Focused Groupwork should be essential reading.” Barbara Wilson, Family Mediation in Practice

“John Sharry has fluency with language that allows complexity to sit side by side with clarity and ideas to flow across the page. This is a book that must be read by anyone interested in front line developments in solution-focused therapy.” Chris Iveson, Brief Therapy Practice London

“Solution-Focused Groupwork picks up where Irvin Yalom’s classic ‘Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy’ left off. In a thoughtful, step-by-step, and easy-to- read fashion, John Sharry integrates the best from established principles of group therapy with recent advances in brief, strength-based, resiliency-oriented treatment approaches. A must read for practitioners working with groups.” Scott D. Miller, Co-founder, Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change, Chicago, USA

“A major contribution to the literature on groupwork.” Dr. Alastair J. MacDonald, President European Brief Therapy Association

Helping Young People Manage Anxiety by Carol Fitzpatrick
This book tells you everything you need to know about anxiety, its many causes and types, and associated disorders such as depression and self-harm. Case-studies help to show the effect of anxiety in real-life situations, and also provide useful tips and advice to help young people manage their symptoms.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers  ISBN: 978-1-84905-557-4

Understanding and Supporting Children and Young People Who Self-Harm by Carol Fitzpatrick
An easy-to-read guide for parents, carers and professionals working with young people showing signs of self-harm and suicidal behaviours, which gives advice on how to identify problems and how to support the young person.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers ISBN: 978-0-85700-584-7

Coping with Depression in Young People: A Guide for Parents by Carol Fitzpatrick and John Sharry
Mental Health Depression in young people is a difficult problem to deal with. Parents often feel at a loss as to how to help and fear greatly what might happen. This book is written in response to parents’ requests for reading material to help them understand their young person who is suffering from depression, to show them what they can do to help, and to enable them and all the family survive and come through what can be a very difficult situation. The book deals with the special concerns parents often have, including concerns about self-harm, alcohol and drug overuse and suicide, explaining when and how to get professional help and the treatment approaches used.
Wiley Publications  ISBN-13: 978-0470857557

“Clearly and authoritatively written by two experts in the area, clinician’s who work with depressed children and adolescents should routinely recommend that parents read this excellent book.” Professor Alan Carr, University College Dublin
“…a guide for parents, a book long overdue and one which will be of enormous help.” www.familyonwards.com
‘The strength of the book lies in it accessible style and numerous practical suggestions.” Child and Adolescent

Positive Parenting: Bringing up responsible, well-behaved and happy children by John Sharry
‘Positive Parenting’ aims to help parents raise emotionally secure, happy children who reach their full potential at home and at school. Targeted at parents of primary school age children, ‘Positive Parenting’ provides a step-by-step guide to solving behaviour and other childhood problems including sibling rivalry, homework hassles, serious tantrums, bullying, poor self-esteem and anxiety.
Veritas Publications 2008  ISBN 9781847300775

Parenting Teenagers by John Sharry
This book describes a balanced approach to parenting, setting out a step-by-step guide that shows how you can stay supportively involved in your teenager’s life while also being firm. It emphasises a positive approach that builds on your strengths as a parent, helping you not only to solve discipline problems and reduce conflict, but also to have a more satisfying and enjoyable relationship with your teenagers.
Veritas Publications ISBN 1 85390 557 7

Parenting When Separated by John Sharry
A guide for parents to help them and their children to cope better with separation and divorce.
Although children can suffer greatly during parental conflict, separation or divorce, there are positive things that parents can do that will reduce the neagtive impact and help your children cope. This book is based on research into what makes a difference during a separation and offers practical advice on how you can help yourself and your children.
Veritas Publications 2014  ISBN 1847305733

Parenting Preschoolers and Young Children by John Sharry, Grainne Hampson, Mary Fanning
In ‘Parenting Preschoolers and Young Children’ you will find practical advice on how to deal with the very real difficulties of caring for young children. As well as offering helpful tips on how to stimulate a child intellectually in terms of improved concentration and language development, it also offers sound advice on handling behavioural problems like temper tantrums and co-operation issues. Emphasising an approach to parenthood that praises rather than chides ‘Parenting Preschoolers and Young Children’ is an accessible and indispensable guide for those dealing with young children.
Veritas Publications  ISBN 978 1853909153