A comprehensive resource for therapists on Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: understanding strengths-based principles, brief therapy techniques, and practical applications.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a strengths-based, goal-oriented approach developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. Unlike traditional therapy that focuses on problems and their causes, SFBT focuses on solutions and what's already working.
SFBT is brief by design, typically lasting 3-8 sessions. It's based on the belief that clients already have the resources and strengths needed to solve their problems. The therapist's role is to help clients identify and amplify these resources.
The approach is future-focused and assumes that small changes can lead to larger changes. By focusing on what clients want (their preferred future) rather than what they don't want (their problems), SFBT helps clients move forward quickly.
Rather than exploring problems in depth, the focus is on solutions, exceptions to problems, and what clients want to achieve.
Clients already have strengths and resources. The therapist helps identify and build on these rather than focusing on deficits.
The focus is on the client's preferred future—what they want—rather than the past or present problems.
Times when the problem doesn't occur or is less severe provide clues about solutions and what's already working.
Small, concrete changes can create momentum and lead to larger, more significant changes.
Clients are the experts on their own lives and what works for them. The therapist asks questions rather than giving answers.
"Suppose tonight, while you're sleeping, a miracle happens and the problem is solved. When you wake up, how will you know the miracle happened? What will be different?" This helps clients envision their preferred future.
"When was the problem not happening?" or "What was different during those times?" These questions help identify what's already working.
"On a scale of 0-10, where are you now?" and "What would one step higher look like?" This helps make progress concrete and visible.
Genuine recognition of clients' strengths, efforts, and successes. This builds confidence and reinforces what's working.
Starting sessions by asking "What's better?" focuses attention on positive changes and progress, however small.
Goals are stated in positive, specific, concrete terms. They should be small, achievable, and meaningful to the client.
SFBT is effective for:
Brief interventions, School counseling, Family therapy, Couples therapy, Workplace issues, Goal achievement, Behavioral change, Motivation enhancement
Clients seeking quick solutions, Those who are solution-oriented, Time-limited situations, Prevention programs, Crisis intervention
Research shows SFBT is effective for a wide range of issues, particularly when clients are motivated and solution-oriented. It's particularly valuable when time is limited or when clients prefer a practical, forward-focused approach.
Stay Solution-Focused: Gently redirect conversations from problems to solutions, exceptions, and what clients want.
Ask Questions: Use questions rather than statements. Questions help clients discover their own solutions.
Notice Exceptions: Pay attention to times when the problem doesn't occur. These are clues to solutions.
Compliment Genuinely: Notice and acknowledge clients' strengths, efforts, and successes.
Keep It Brief: SFBT is designed to be brief. Don't be afraid to end therapy when goals are met.
PracFlow supports solution-focused practice with goal tracking, scaling questions documentation, and brief therapy planning tools.
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