Solution Focused Brief Therapy

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a present and future-focused, goal-directed therapeutic approach that focuses, as the name suggests, on solutions. Instead of leading with the problems that brought clients to therapy in the first place, SFBT focuses on what clients want to achieve without exploring the history of the issue. SFBT is founded on the belief that clients know what they need to do to improve their lives and the approach provides coaching and questioning to help clients find the best solutions. Solution Focused Brief Therapy is used in the treatment of a variety of issues, including addiction, relationship problems, behavioral problems, abuse and depression. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s Solution Focused Brief Therapy experts today.

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SFBT uses specific strategies to help you make the change you want, on your terms (not the therapist). I received specific training in these strategies.

— Christina Cunningham, Mental Health Counselor in Colorado Springs, CO

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), also called Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) was developed by Steve de Shazer (1940-2005), and Insoo Kim Berg (1934-2007) in collaboration with their colleagues at the Milwaukee Brief Family Therapy Center beginning in the late 1970s. As the name suggests, SFBT is future-focused, goal-directed, and focuses on solutions, rather than on the problems that brought clients to seek therapy.

— Laura McMaster, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Atlanta, GA
 

Places the focus of treatment on present & future circumstances and goals. Aims to identify tools for more immediate improvement in handling emotions & coping with obstacles. Problem solving perspective and techniques are utilized when applicable.

— Lynette Cisneros, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Raleigh, NC

I provide brief solution-focused therapy with almost all medication management appointments. We will review current stressors, learn coping skills, reflect on your current self, and create goals to move your life forward in the direction you want.

— Chaney Reel Davis, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in PORTLAND, OR
 

What would you like to talk about today? How can I help you? Given this issue is in your life, what would you like to do? The things we work on are sometimes goal oriented to help you move past the barriers you are facing.

— T.Lee Shostack, Clinical Social Worker in , MA

Do you have big feelings that make it difficult for you to handle stress? Would you like to feel more trust with yourself and others, and less stuck? Solution Focused Brief treatment allows for a dynamic model of change where you are in control and are empowered.

— Rebecca Lavine, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Cambridge, MA
 

Another theory that I have studied in the course of my graduate work. I also work to active incorporate this theory into my practice with my clients by focusing on solutions and seeking to highlight the strengths and positive attributes of my clients.

— Tabitha Rupard, Licensed Professional Counselor

Solution-focused therapy is a goal-directed collaborative approach to psychotherapeutic change that is conducted through direct observation of clients' responses to a series of precisely constructed questions.

— Ryan Pescaia, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Houston, TX
 

Together, we will explore potential solutions to your problems. All potential solutions that I discuss with you will be evidenced based. This means that various scientific studies on the “solution” have taken place making it scientifically proven to work for most people. If whatever we come up with doesn’t work for you, we’ll discuss other potential evidence based solutions so that you have an array of coping skills you can use to deal with life’s stressors.

— Darryon Spencer, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a commonly used and effective treatment to help clients struggling with stress and more serious mental health issues. It is a collaborative, strength-based, goal-directed, present and future-oriented, and inclusive approach. In SFBT, you identify your goals for therapy, focus on exceptions and coping strategies/solutions to the problem, and move forward one step at a time on your path to achieving them.

— Mona Stribling, Psychologist in , FL
 

Solution Focused Brief Therapy focuses on addressing what clients want to achieve without severely exploring the history and provenance of problem(s). Solution Focused therapy sessions typically focus on the present and future, focusing on the past only to the degree necessary for communicating empathy and accurate understanding of the client's concerns. (Wikipedia)

— Jessica VerBout, Marriage & Family Therapist in Minnetonka, MN

I have been practicing this technique since 2010 and continue to attend ongoing trainings regarding this approach to ensure my skills remain sharp and effective.

— Rachel Stapleton, Clinical Social Worker in Issaquah, WA
 

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy or SFBT focuses on finding solutions in the present time and exploring an individual's hope for the future to find quicker resolution to their problems. This method takes the approach that you know what you need to do to improve your own life and, with the appropriate counseling and questioning, you are capable of finding the best solutions for your future.

— Cheryl Perry, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Charlotte, NC

This approach focuses on solutions that point out what is working and possible areas where things could be done differently to help. With this approach, we do not concentrate or spend sessions discussing what brought you in, but rather what life will be like for you once therapy has worked for you.

— Katherine Traxler-LaFrance, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in Humble, TX
 

An important piece of therapy is to find the answers to assist clients in achieving their goals. Solution focused therapy allows for the client to explore different solutions while gaining an understanding of their needs and wants. In utilizing solution focused therapy I work with my client's to take the time to identify useful techniques to further develop clients confidence.

— Kayla Kalousdian, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY

When we feel boxed in and we don't know where to turn, finding someone to talk to, focusing on a solution to the problem(s) at hand can be the best course of action. If you want someone on your side who has years of experience helping clients with different types of problems, reach out to me to see how we can work together.

— Dr. David Shoup, Psychologist in Pacifica, CA
 

Especially helpful when the problem defies easy definition or resolution.

— Eric Wittkopf, Therapist in Roseville, MN

I believe that every client has what it takes to heal. You made it this far and can achieve your goals even if you have lost your way. You are the only one who can do the healing and I can guide you in that process. You are incredible.

— Dr.Angelica Rivera, Therapist in Houston, TX
 

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a goal-directed approach that centers on the client's present and future, rather than the past. It empowers individuals to envision their desired future and aids them in identifying and leveraging their strengths and resources to bring about meaningful changes and achieve their goals, often in a relatively short timeframe.

— Jennifer Gray, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR