Solution -Focus Brief Therapy (SFBT)

What is it?

Solution -Focus Brief Therapy (SFBT) was developed by Steve de Shazar (1940-2005) and Insoo Kim Berg (1934-2007) (Corcoran and Pillai, 2009; Gehart and Tuttle, 2003; Metcalf, 2011). In SFBT, the client wants to change and shows no resistance. SFBT doesn’t focus on the history of the problem but focuses on the present and the future with the primary emphasis on defining clear and achievable goals. This is done by highlighting the client’s existing strengths and resources and how they can be applied to bring about change. SFBT is a collaborative approach but with the client being the expert on their life and experience and the clinician works as “cheerleader” to help facilitate the process. SFBT utilizes specific questioning techniques to help clients identify their goals and potential solutions:

• The Miracle Question: This invites the clients to imagine a future where their problem is suddenly resolved. By describing what that future looks like, clients gain clarity on their goals.
• Exception Questions: These questions explore times when the problem was less severe or absent. Identifying these exceptions helps clients recognize existing coping strategies and resources.
• Scaling Questions: Clients are asked to rate their progress, confidence, or the severity of their problem on a scale (usually 0-10). This helps track progress and identify small, achievable steps.
• Coping Questions: These acknowledge the client's difficulties while highlighting their resilience and how they have managed to cope so far.
• Presupposing Change Questions: These questions subtly assume that positive change is already happening, encouraging clients to identify even small improvements.
• Compliments: Therapists offer genuine affirmations and positive feedback to validate the client's efforts and strengths.

SFBT can be effective in addressing a wide arrange of challenges. SFBT is helpful for clients who are motivated to change and prefer a practical, action-oriented approach. It offers a refreshing and optimistic perspective on personal growth and change. By focusing on existing strengths, desired outcomes, and small, achievable steps, SFBT empowers clients to become active agents in creating the future they envision. If you're looking for a therapy that emphasizes solutions over problems and helps you tap into your own inherent resources, Solution-Focused Therapy might be the empowering journey you've been seeking.

Reference

Corcoran, J., & Pillai, V. (2009). A Review of the Research on Solution-Focused

Therapy. British Journal of Social Work, 39, 234-242. Retrieved by Google Scholar.

Gehart, D. & Tuttle, A. (2003) Theory-based treatment planning for marriage and family:

Integrating theory and Practice. Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.

Metcalf, L. (2011). Marriage and family therapy: A practice-oriented approach. Springer

Publishing Company, LLC.