This chapter explores a direct and straightforward approach to family therapy called “problem solving” or “strategic” family therapy. The focus of the therapy is not long term engagement in changing personalities, but in helping families solve a problem that brings them to the clinic. The approach was represented by Jay Haley and others. They developed “therapeutic contracts” in which the therapist takes responsibility to design techniques to help the family solve problems. The therapist takes responsibility for failures. The therapy emphasizes the here and now. There are direct suggestions and indirect suggestions. The therapy was heavily influenced by Milton Erickson, the prominent hypnotist that used manipulations and suggestions to induce change.