Solution Focused Empathy Training Groups for Students with Fire-Setting Behaviors

Fire-setting students are those who intentionally or unintentionally set one or more fires due to curiosity, stress, a need for attention, or due to criminal delinquency. This article describes the nature of fire-setting behaviors, discusses the profile and risk factors associated with the behavior, and outlines a group program using empathy training and solution focused brief therapy. The benefits of using solution focused brief therapy and empathy training are discussed along with specific techniques involved in using each component.