Doug, in my opinion, that is actually the main focus for addiction counseling at least, and for most counseling. Let the person discard "extras", then help them change perspective...not necessarily from a more big picture view, though that too, but sometimes from a slightly different "angle". Sort of "take a look at the problem from where you are, then take one step to either side" type thing.
That was what helped me the most the first time, and that is what I'm trying to do again.
BubbaBob