What are the stages to problem solving in counselling?

There are a number of different models of this. I like Ablon and Greene’s Collaborative Problem Solving for youth:

1. Empathize and offer reassurance
2. Clarify the other person’s perception of the problem
3. Brainstorm a list of possible solutions

Choose from that list.

OR, that presented by Epstein and Bishop as part of the McMaster model of family functioning:

1. Identify and agree on the problem
2. Create a list of options
3. Evaluate alternatives
4. Choose a solution