What is Solution-Focussed Brief Therapy?

Solution-focused brief therapy, also referred to as solution-focussed therapy (SFT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on strengths rather than deficits. This style of therapy was developed in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg and is grounded in the belief that clients have the inherent strengths and resources to create change in their lives and work toward a future they desire. 

How does Solution Focussed Brief Therapy Work?

While not exclusive to solution-focused therapy (SFT), a key aspect of this therapy type is the idea that individuals are the experts in their own lives. The psychologist’s role is that of a facilitator for the client to realise their goals and envisioned solutions, rather than analysing the problem in depth. The key principles of SFT are: 

• Focus on solutions, not problems: focusing on the solution encourages clients to shift their attention to what is (or could) work, promoting an optimistic view for the future and fostering agency and empowerment. 
• Client strengths and resources: focusing on the client’s skills, rather than their circumstances, helps them to recognise and harness their strengths and resources. 
• Future-oriented: focusing on practical steps to achieve the client’s vision for the future rather than getting caught up in the past. 
• Short-term and goal-driven: SFT is a brief form of therapy, focusing on achieving specific goals. 

The key techniques used in Solution Focussed Brief Therapy are:

• The miracle question: your therapist may ask you to, “imagine that a miracle happens overnight, and your problem is suddenly solved?” This helps the client to clarify goals and to envision a future where their issue does not have such an impact on them. 
• Exception-seeking questions: “When are there times that it seems to bother you less?” Through recognizing moments when the problem didn’t exist, or wasn’t of concern, clients can uncover strategies or behaviours that contributed to these exceptions.
• Scaling questions: this is used to assess the client’s progress towards their goals and how their feelings towards a specific situation may have changed. Your therapist may ask you, “on a scale from 1 to 10, how confident are you that you can solve this problem?”

What is SFT used for? 

SFT can be beneficial for a variety of clients but is most often applied when clients present with single issues (e.g., workplace issues). This might look like asking for help with making an important decision or seeking support during a period of transition. 

Conclusion 

Solution focused-therapy (SFT) is an effective, evidence-based treatment which focuses on the strengths and resources of the client to achieve their goals. This brief therapy can be applied flexibly to a range of issues, and may lead to fast improvements, and increased empowerment and optimism towards the situation through its practical, future-oriented approach.

You can find out more here: https://solutionfocused.net/what-is-solution-focused-therapy/

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