Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), also known as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a practical, goal-oriented therapeutic approach designed to help clients achieve meaningful changes in their lives by focusing on solutions rather than problems. The therapy is rooted in principles of positive psychology and aims to inspire hope and motivation by highlighting the client’s strengths, resources, and past successes.
In contrast to traditional therapies that may delve into the origins of a client’s difficulties, SFBT directs attention to the desired outcomes and the steps necessary to reach them. The therapist works collaboratively with the client, helping them clarify how their life will look once the problem is resolved, and identifying resources and past experiences that can aid in achieving these goals. By exploring “exceptions”—instances when the client has successfully navigated challenges—SFBT helps clients identify actionable solutions to apply in their current circumstances.
With its emphasis on practical, achievable goals, SFBT has become one of the leading schools of brief therapy, influencing fields such as business, education, social policy, and criminal justice. Its approach is not only effective but also concise, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking efficient and positive change.
What is solution-focused brief therapy?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) has grown into one of the most widely used therapeutic approaches across the globe. Unlike traditional therapies that delve into past experiences, behaviors, and deep-seated psychological issues, SFBT is focused on finding immediate solutions and addressing current challenges. This approach is based on the belief that individuals already have the knowledge and resources needed to improve their lives, and that with the right guidance and questioning, they can discover effective solutions to their problems.
Developed in the late 1970s by Insoo Kim Berg, Steve de Shazer, and their colleagues, SFBT was born out of dissatisfaction with traditional psychoanalytic methods. The founders sought to shift the focus from analyzing the root causes of problems to understanding how to effectively resolve them. Their work began informally in Berg’s living room and eventually led to the establishment of the Milwaukee Brief Family Therapy Center in the early 1980s.
Research on SFBT consistently shows strong evidence of its effectiveness across a wide range of behavioral and psychological issues. A review of 43 studies confirmed its positive impact in helping individuals with diverse challenges.
Notably, SFBT has gained significant popularity in non-Western countries. Since 2013, the amount of research on SFBT in these regions has doubled compared to Western countries. The approach has been particularly successful in Asia, where Berg was invited to share her techniques in Hong Kong in the 1980s, leading to its spread across Mainland China. Experts believe the therapy’s practicality, emphasis on positive outcomes, and ability to preserve personal dignity and familial relationships make it highly adaptable and effective across cultures.
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When is solution-focused brief therapy used?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) can be used as a primary therapeutic approach or in combination with other treatment methods. It is not restricted to any specific demographic but is designed to support individuals of all ages facing a broad range of challenges. SFBT has been successfully applied to address issues like child behavioral problems, family conflicts, domestic or child abuse, addiction, and relationship difficulties.
While SFBT may not be a direct solution for psychiatric conditions like depression or schizophrenia, it can help individuals manage and improve their quality of life by focusing on present challenges and future possibilities. By encouraging a positive, goal-oriented mindset, SFBT assists individuals in finding practical solutions to everyday problems, enhancing overall well-being and functioning.
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What to expect from solution-focused brieftherapy?
At the heart of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is goal-setting. During the first session, a therapist might ask you the “miracle question”: “If a miracle occurred while you were asleep tonight, what changes would you notice in your life tomorrow?” This question encourages you to think creatively about the changes you want to see and lays the groundwork for your goal-setting. Together with your therapist, you’ll begin to break down those goals into small, manageable steps that can lead to real change in your life.
One of the key elements of SFBT is the therapist’s positive, respectful, and hopeful attitude. Practitioners believe that people already have the strength, wisdom, and resilience to make the changes they desire. What might be seen as “resistance” in other therapy models is viewed in SFBT as a natural protective response or an indication that previous therapeutic approaches weren’t in tune with the client’s needs. This mindset fosters a collaborative, rather than hierarchical, dynamic between you and your therapist, making sessions feel like a partnership.
Treatment duration can vary depending on the individual, but SFBT is often completed in about four to eight sessions. The focus is on practical, short-term change that can significantly improve day-to-day life.
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How does solution-focused brief therapy work?
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) operates on the principle that solutions can often be found in the “exceptions” — the moments when a problem is absent or being effectively managed. Rather than focusing on the problem itself, SFBT highlights what’s already working and helps individuals build on those successes. The therapy aims to recognize and amplify these exceptions by examining past experiences where clients have successfully navigated challenges.
The therapist uses a variety of techniques such as scaling questions (e.g., “On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident are you in handling this situation?”), empathic listening, and affirmations to help clients identify their strengths and resources. This approach encourages clients to see themselves as capable of finding solutions, rather than feeling stuck in what they can’t change.
For example, if parents are struggling with a child’s behavior, a solution-focused therapist would ask about times when the child behaved well, focusing on the “exceptions” where the behavior improved. By identifying what caused those positive changes, parents can then learn to amplify these behaviors and continue to build on their successes. If a particular approach isn’t working, SFBT encourages letting go of ineffective methods and exploring new, more workable solutions.
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About the content
Written by: Carli Simmonds. Carli Simmonds holds a Master of Arts in Community Health Psychology from Northeastern University. From a young age, she witnessed the challenges her community faced with substance abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges, inspiring her dedication to the field.
Medical reviewed by: Jodi Tarantino, LICSW. Jodi is an experienced, licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Program Director with over 20 years of experience in Behavioral Healthcare, demonstrating expertise in substance use disorders, mental health disorders, crisis intervention, training development, and program development. She is a skilled leader in business development with a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Community and Administrative Practice from the University of New Hampshire.
Red Ribbon Recovery is committed to delivering transparent, up-to-date, and medically accurate information. All content is carefully written and reviewed by experienced professionals to ensure clarity and reliability. During the editorial and medical review process, our team fact-checks information using reputable sources. Our goal is to create content that is informative, easy to understand and helpful to our visitors.
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