Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a highly regarded therapeutic approach that

has garnered attention and appreciation within the fields of psychology and counseling. This

approach, abbreviated as SFBT, distinguishes itself by its primary focus on solutions rather than

delving into the origins or intricacies of problems. It is characterized by its brevity and

commitment to goal-oriented interventions. In this discussion, we will delve deeper into SFBT,

exploring its meaning, evolution, and applications.

Meaning of SFBT

At its core, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is an approach that seeks to help individuals

identify and work towards their desired outcomes and solutions. Unlike traditional forms of

therapy, which often involve lengthy explorations of a client's past and problems, SFBT places a

strong emphasis on the here-and-now and the future. It encourages clients to envision a future

where their issues are resolved, and it empowers them to take concrete steps toward that desired

future.

Origins and Evolution

SFBT traces its roots to the innovative work of therapists Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim

Berg and their colleagues at the Brief Family Therapy Center in the 1980s. They were

dissatisfied with the time-consuming and problem-focused nature of traditional therapies and

believed that clients could benefit more from an approach that shifted the focus towards solutions

and possibilities.

Over the years, SFBT has evolved and expanded its influence across various therapeutic

settings. Its pragmatic and client-centered principles have resonated with therapists and clients

alike, making it a widely practiced and respected therapeutic approach.

Brief and Goal-Oriented

One of the hallmarks of SFBT is its brevity. Unlike traditional therapies that can span

months or even years, SFBT is intentionally designed to be short-term. It typically consists of

just a few sessions, making it a cost-effective and time-efficient choice for clients.

The brevity of SFBT is closely tied to its goal-oriented nature. Therapists employing this

approach work with clients to set specific, achievable goals. These goals serve as the focal point

of the therapy, guiding both the therapist and the client in their collaborative efforts to find

solutions.

Client-Centered Approach

SFBT is profoundly client-centered. Therapists adopting this approach view clients as the

experts in their own lives. They respect the clients' autonomy and expertise and recognize that

clients possess the resources and strengths needed to overcome their challenges.

In SFBT, the therapist assumes a collaborative role, actively listening to clients and

facilitating their exploration of solutions. Clients are encouraged to take an active role in the

therapeutic process, contributing to the development of strategies and actions that will lead them

toward their desired outcomes.

Theoretical Concept

Solution-focused therapy, also known as solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT),

prioritizes the exploration of solutions over an exhaustive analysis of problems (Berg, n.d.).

While it is necessary to understand the problem to identify a solution, SFBT does not excessively

dwell on every intricacy of the issue at hand. Unlike traditional therapies that delve deeply into

one's childhood and the ways it has shaped their present, solution-focused therapy firmly

grounds its sessions in the present moment, with a focus on creating a future where current
problems have a diminished impact on one's life (Iveson, 2002). This approach to therapy,

centered on finding solutions, emerged from the field of family therapy during the 1980s when

its founders, Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg, observed that most therapy sessions were

primarily consumed by discussions of symptoms, problems, and issues. De Shazer and Berg

recognized an opportunity to provide faster relief from negative symptoms through a novel

therapeutic approach that prioritized rapid, targeted problem-solving rather than prolonged

discussions about the problem itself. The term "brief" in solution-focused brief therapy holds

significant importance. SFBT aims to identify and put into action solutions for the problem or

problems as expeditiously as possible. This approach minimizes the time spent in therapy and,

more crucially, the duration of struggle or suffering experienced by individuals (Antin, 2018).

SFBT is dedicated to swiftly uncovering practical and effective solutions for clients, and its

demonstrated effectiveness has led to its adoption and utilization in various contexts worldwide.

This approach has been successfully applied in individual, couples, and family therapy,

demonstrating its versatility. It is capable of addressing a wide spectrum of issues, ranging from

the everyday stressors of life to significant life events with a high impact. SFBT is typically not

recommended for addressing more severe mental health conditions, including disorders like

schizophrenia or major depressive disorder (Antin, 2018).

Theory behind SFBT

The foundation of the solution-focused approach in SFBT lies in the concept put forth by

de Shazer and Berg that solutions to one's problems can often be found in the "exceptions" to the

problem—those moments when the problem is not having its usual impact on the individual

(Iveson, 2002). This approach is grounded in logic; to discover a lasting solution to a problem, it

makes sense to first examine those instances when the problem is less pronounced or absent
altogether. For example, consider a client struggling with severe shyness but who can interact

with coworkers without difficulty. In SFBT, a therapist would identify the client's interactions at

work as an exception to their typical shyness. Once this exception is identified, the therapist and

client collaborate to explore how it differs from the client's usual experiences with the problem.

Working together, the therapist assists the client in formulating a solution based on what sets the

exception scenario apart, and they work on setting goals and implementing the solution. Notably,

SFBT relies heavily on the partnership between the therapist and the client. It operates on the

assumption that every individual possesses some level of motivation to address their problems

and find solutions that enhance their quality of life. This intrinsic motivation on the part of the

client is a fundamental component of the SFBT model (Miller & Rollnick, 2013).

Procedure involved in SFBT

Establish a Collaborative Therapeutic Relationship

The therapist builds a rapport with the client and creates a safe, non-judgmental, and

supportive environment. The therapist and client work together as collaborators in the therapy

process.

Define the Client's Goals

The therapist asks the client to describe their desired outcome or what they hope to

achieve from therapy. Goals are framed in positive and specific terms to clarify what success

looks like.

Explore the Client's Strengths and Resources

The therapist helps the client identify their strengths, resources, and past successes.

Clients are encouraged to recognize their resilience and coping abilities.

Identify Exceptions and Solutions

The therapist asks the client about times when the problem was less severe or absent

(exceptions). Clients are guided to explore what was different during those times and what they

did to create positive change.

Use Scaling Questions

The therapist may use scaling questions to assess the client's current level of satisfaction

or progress regarding their goals. Scaling helps clients reflect on their experiences and their

perception of improvement.

Amplify and Validate Small Steps

Clients are encouraged to take small, manageable steps toward their goals. Therapists

provide positive feedback and validation for any progress made, no matter how minor.

Encourage Self-Efficacy

Therapists support clients in believing in their ability to solve their problems and achieve

their goals. Self-efficacy is enhanced through empowering language and focusing on past

successes.

Monitor and Adjust

Throughout the therapy process, therapists continually monitor progress and make

adjustments as needed. If a particular approach is not working, therapists adapt their strategies to

better meet the client's needs.

Termination and Future Planning

As clients make progress toward their goals, therapists prepare for the termination of

therapy. Clients are encouraged to envision a future without the problem and to develop

strategies for maintaining their progress.

Techniques

SFBT therapists use a series of questions to guide the conversation and assist clients in

finding solutions. These questions attempt to focus on the client’s strengths rather than on their

problems. Commonly used SFBT questions along with examples of each are as follows:

Miracle Question

This question asks clients to imagine a scenario involving a miracle occurring over the

course of the night, without their knowledge, that removes their current problem from their lives.

By envisioning a future without their problem, clients are able to think about what their ideal

outcomes and the goals the steps they could take to achieve these outcomes.

Example: "Imagine that tonight after you have finished all work, you put everything

away and shut off all the lights. The house is quiet and fall asleep. At some time during the night,

unknown to you, a miracle takes place. When you wake up the next day, the miracle has solved

your problem but you don’t know that a miracle has taken place. What would be different about

your life that would help you to realise that your problem is gone? How would you know? How

would other people know that you are different?"

Scaling Questions

This type of question asks clients to rate their problem's severity on a scale, helping to

quantify their experiences. Scaling questions provide a clear starting point and enable clients to

track their progress as they work toward solutions.

Example: "On a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is the worst your problem has ever been, and 10

is when your problem is completely resolved, where are you right now? What would it take to

move up one point on the scale?"

Exception Questions

With exception questions, clients are encouraged to recall times when the problem was

less prominent or absent. This keeps the focus on their existing resources and strengths, rather

than the problem that has brought them to therapy. It also helps clients identify patterns,

resources, or strategies that have worked before, which can be applied to their current situation.

Examples: "Can you think of a time when the problem wasn't as severe or didn't occur at

all? What was different about that time? How can you recreate those circumstances?"

"When was a time when the problem was almost gone or not as noticeable? What was

different about that situation, and how can you amplify those factors in your life?"

Coping Questions

Coping questions are used to help clients explore the specific strategies they've used to

manage difficulties. By examining their coping mechanisms, clients are reminded of the fact that

they have managed to function despite their problem, with the intention of reinforcing

confidence in themselves. It is also useful in helping them to apply effective strategies to their

current challenges.

Example: "What strategies or coping mechanisms have you used in the past to deal with

similar challenges? How can you apply those strategies to your current situation?"

Advantages of Solution Focused Brief Therapy

It is a short-term therapy

As compared to other therapies, which are time consuming, Solution Focused Brief

Therapy is quick and brief in nature, where sessions last for about 6 to 10 weeks only. The main

focus in SFBT is on finding a solution to the client’s presenting problem, and not on the problem

that the client has approached us with.

It is future oriented

The aim of SFBT during sessions is on the future, where clients are encouraged to move

forward with their lives and not focus on the past. Client’s are reinforced to figure out and focus

on their desired future and not focus on the problem at hand. Accordingly. SFBT creates a plan

for the client to achieve their desired future.

It is non-judgmental

In SFBT, therapists approach the client with compassion, praise them for positive

changes made, no matter how small, and encourage clients to move forward even if they fail to

achieve their set goals.

It is goal oriented

This therapeutic technique is a goal-directed approach that aims in providing attainable

goals to the client, when faced with a problem.

It focuses on the strengths

In SFBT, focus is on the strengths and capabilities, rather than the clients weaknesses.

The focus is also on skills and abilities of the client that would help them achieve future goals,

where their strengths are used as determinants for their future.

Helps in improving interpersonal relationships

Solution-focused therapies significantly improve interpersonal relationships between

conflicting parties. As a result, it helps to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression.

Disadvantages of Solution Focused Brief Therapy

It is short-term

Although SFBT being a short-term therapy may work for some clients as an advantage, it

can also be a disadvantage for some clients, and may not work for everyone. Clients are different
and need to be handled differently, where some of these clients may need sessions that last

longer than 6 to 10 weeks.

Does not give room to explore events

With certain clients, their situations may have complex circumstances that will need

thorough investigation into the problem at hand. For example, a client with past trauma

experiences will need the therapist to explore more on the problem, rather than the solution.

Discourages speculation about why the problem arises

Since the technique is solution-focused, it denies the client the chance to understand a

past issue and how the problem at hand began.

Does not allow for connection between the therapist and the client

SFBT being quick, brief, and goal oriented in nature, may limit the establishment of a

relationship between the client and the therapist, where failure to establish a connection may

result in poor communication.

Pushes clients to deal with future-related issues

SFBT may force clients to deal with future-related problems, which they may not be able

to do as they may still be dealing with the problem at hand, where the past and present issues

may be more significant to them.

 References

Courtney E. Ackerman, MA. (2023, March 9). What is solution-focused therapy: 3 essential

techniques. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/solution-focused-

therapy/#what-solution-focused-therapy

Ratner, H., George, E., & Iveson, C. (2012). Solution focused brief therapy: 100 Key Points and

Techniques. Routledge.

What is solution-focused therapy · solution-focused therapy institute. (2015, February 24).

Solution-Focused Training · Solution-Focused Therapy Institute.

https://solutionfocused.net/what-is-solution-focused-therapy/

Gikunda, A. (2022, 14). Pros and cons of solution focused therapy. Pros and Cons.

https://prosancons.com/medicine/pros-and-cons-of-solution-focused-therapy/