Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), also known as solution-focused therapy (SFT), is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on building solutions rather than fixating on problems. SFBT emphasizes the pursuit of positive changes in one’s life, and the cultivation of solutions to life’s challenges. It differs from other therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), by emphasizing collaboration and viewing the client as the expert in their own life, with the therapist serving as a guide to help identify and build on existing strengths. In SFBT, the focus is on empowering clients to believe change is possible and that they can overcome challenges.

What are the origins of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)?

Developed in the 1980’s by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee, SFBT originally aimed to provide a brief and effective type of therapy for behavioral problems. Over time, its scope expanded to address various mental health issues and improve clients’ overall quality of life. This approach was conceived as a future-oriented, goal-centric form of therapy.

If you’re contemplating therapy and pondering the suitability of SFBT, let’s dive into what this approach entails and its potential to guide you toward a more optimistic outlook on your current circumstances.

When is solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) used?

SFBT is a versatile short-term approach that can be applied in various settings and with different populations. It can be used to work with individuals, groups, and families, making it a valuable tool in addressing a wide range of concerns. While SFBT can benefit clients across different demographics, it is particularly effective for those who are seeking goal-oriented therapy sessions.

SFBT has shown promise in addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relationship challenges. While it may not be a standalone treatment for severe conditions like substance use disorders or major depression, it can serve as a complementary approach within a broader treatment plan. The approach’s future-oriented and solution-focused aspects make it particularly beneficial if you seek to build positive change in your life.

How does solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) work?

The focus during SFBT sessions is on finding prompt and practical solutions to your concerns. Instead of diving deeply into background of your problems, this therapeutic process helps you envision a future where things are better and guides you in taking small steps to reach that better place.

During SFBT sessions, your therapist will ask you about times when things were going well for you, helping you recognize your strengths and past successes. By focusing on what has worked before, SFBT encourages you to find ways to apply those successful strategies to your current challenges. The therapy is all about helping you see that you have the skills and resources within you to make positive changes in your life.

For example, the SFBT approach views depression as existing alongside moments of non-depression. According to SFBT, by identifying and reinforcing these exceptions, you can experience meaningful transformations in how you perceive and manage your symptoms. By highlighting your coping skills, abilities, and internal resources, SFBT proposes that strengthening these positive aspects can drive significant changes in how you respond to depression.

What is solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) like?

During your first session, your therapist will guide you through goal-setting questions, helping you to imagine a future where your current problems or concerns are resolved. Questions like “What are your best hopes for change?” and the “Miracle Question” where you are prompted to imagine a scenario where your issues are miraculously resolved, will help you visualize your goals more concretely.

Throughout your sessions, you and your SFBT therapist will collaborate to identify past successes, exceptions to problems, potential solutions, and to set goals. Together, you will work on recognizing your strengths, resources, and coping strategies that have worked well for you in the past.

Expect activities such as setting small achievable goals, asking scaling questions to measure progress, and trying out small experiments or homework tasks between sessions to promote forward movement and change. While physical exercises and workbooks are not a central focus, the approach emphasizes active participation and reflection to help you make small changes and meaningful progress toward your goals.

How long does solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) take?

In SFBT, you can anticipate engaging in just a few sessions, generally between 5 to 10 meetings. These sessions are typically scheduled weekly and run for about 45 to 60 minutes each time.

Is solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) effective?

There are many studies that have demonstrated the effectiveness of SFBT in treating a wide variety of issues across diverse populations. Research has shown that SFBT has a positive impact on individuals’ well-being and that it is a valuable, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy. Studies have demonstrated SFBT’s efficacy in addressing substance abuse and trauma-related problems.

The research also emphasizes SFBT’s ability to facilitate meaningful change within a brief timeframe. SFBT is designed to be a short-term intervention, often yielding results in a brief timeframe. However, the speed of progress varies based on individual circumstances, and some clients may benefit from additional support or complementary therapeutic approaches

In other words, SFBT is an evidence-based approach that consistently demonstrates positive impact, which makes it a valuable tool for promoting well-being and fostering positive change. SFBT is a practical, solution-focused approach to therapy, and can be used either on its own or alongside other forms of therapy to help you overcome the challenges you’re facing and improve your overall mental health and wellbeing.

How to find a solution-focused brief therapist

If you think SFBT therapy might be right for you, it’s important to speak with a licensed and experienced clinician. There are many types of mental health care providers who practice solution-focused brief therapy, including licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) and more.

On top of finding someone specializing in SFBT, you want to make sure they meet your other needs. For example, if you’re struggling with addiction, you may want to find an SFBT therapist who also specializes in substance use disorder. In addition, finding a therapist who accepts your insurance can make therapy much more affordable.

You can find a therapist who accepts your insurance and specializes in SFBT by using Grow Therapy. After filtering for your location, insurance, and needs, you can then select “Solution Focused Brief Treatment” from the “Treatment methods” drop-down.